2005 Land Rover Defender vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2005 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 1950 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 978 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 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 (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Land Rover Defender | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mazda |
| Model | Defender | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 1950 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2117 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2040 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 48 L |
