2007 Land Rover Defender vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Land Rover Defender is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2007 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 1146 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2007 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Land Rover Defender 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, 2007 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Land Rover Defender | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Land Rover | Mazda |
| Model | Defender | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 144 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2286 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 16.1 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 50 L |
