2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2000 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2000 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2000 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Toyota Solara weights approximately 240 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, 2000 Toyota Solara, 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, 2000 Toyota Solara (204 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2000 Toyota Solara 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 | 2000 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Solara |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.9 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 | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
