2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,359 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (171 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Solara. (161 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 15 kg more than 2005 Toyota Solara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Solara, 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 Toyota Solara (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Solara 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 | 2005 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Solara |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2359 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
