2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Toyota Previa
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 Previa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Previa would be higher. At 2,437 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Previa. (132 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota Previa weights approximately 560 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 Previa, 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, 1998 Toyota Previa (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1998 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Previa |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2437 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 75 L |
