2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2010 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2010 Mazda CX-7, 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, 2010 Mazda CX-7 (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Mazda CX-7 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. 2010 Mazda CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
