2007 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 3 weights approximately 91 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Mazda 3, 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, 2007 Mazda 3 (182 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 3 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | 3 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.9 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1231 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
