2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2013 Toyota Highlander is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Toyota Highlander (184 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 598 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 Toyota Highlander, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2013 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2013 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 184 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 105 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1745 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 73 L |
