2006 Dodge Caliber vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Caliber. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Caliber would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Dodge Caliber. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Dodge Caliber. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 327 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Caliber, 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 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Caliber | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Caliber | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 191 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.3 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |
