2008 Acura MDX vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Acura MDX is newer by 5 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 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura MDX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura MDX (300 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura MDX should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura MDX weights approximately 334 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Acura MDX 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, 2008 Acura MDX 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, 2008 Acura MDX (373 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Acura MDX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Acura MDX has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura MDX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura MDX | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | MDX | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 50 L |
