2008 Acura RL vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA

To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (165 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Acura RL weights approximately 92 kg more than 2013 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 RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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 RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. 2008 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Acura RL 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
Make Acura Mazda
Model RL MX-5 MIATA
Year Released 2008 2013
Body Type Sedan Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3471 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 290 HP 165 HP
Engine RPM 6200 RPM 7000 RPM
Torque 347 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 11.0:1 10.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Rear
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1274 kg 1182 kg
Vehicle Length 4920 mm 4032 mm
Vehicle Width 1850 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1460 mm 1255 mm
Wheelbase Size 2810 mm 2330 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 9.8 L/100km 7.1 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 14.7 L/100km 9.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 73 L 48 L