2005 Hyundai Sonata vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Hyundai Sonata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Hyundai Sonata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 535 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Hyundai Sonata, 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Hyundai Sonata. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2005 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2005 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Hyundai Sonata | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Sonata | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1975 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
