2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Carina. (106 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Carina weights approximately 20 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Carina, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Carina. (150 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Carina |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 59 L |
