2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,184 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (78 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 135 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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (147 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2184 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 78 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
