2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Kia Soul
To start off, 2011 Kia Soul is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Kia Soul (142 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Kia Soul weights approximately 87 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, 2011 Kia Soul, 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, 2011 Kia Soul (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Kia Soul 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. 2011 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Soul |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1279 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
