2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Noble M12
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Noble M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Noble M12 would be higher. At 2,968 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Noble M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Noble M12 (335 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Noble M12 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 360 kg more than 2002 Noble M12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Noble M12 (485 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Noble M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Noble M12 | |
| Make | Mazda | Noble |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | M12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 335 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 485 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2440 mm |
