2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (217 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander will offer significantly more control. 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, 2001 Toyota Highlander (301 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 301 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2730 mm |
