2007 Kia Picanto vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Kia Picanto is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2007 Kia Picanto. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 Kia Picanto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 37 kg more than 2007 Kia Picanto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Kia Picanto, 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, 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Kia Picanto. (99 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Kia Picanto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Kia Picanto | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Picanto | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1086 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 928 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3500 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2270 mm |
