2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2006 Mini Cooper is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mini Cooper (207 HP @ 6950 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (142 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 456 kg more than 2006 Mini Cooper.
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, 2006 Mini Cooper, 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, 2006 Mini Cooper (245 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mini Cooper 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 | 2006 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6950 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 77.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.4 seconds | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 8.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
