2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 490 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mazda |
| Model | Defender | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3947 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2080 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 50 L |
