2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Camry would be higher. At 2,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Toyota Camry (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Camry weights approximately 365 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Camry, 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, 2002 Toyota Camry (279 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Toyota Camry has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Toyota Camry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Camry |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 279 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1460 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
