2008 Acura TL vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura TL (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL, 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, 2008 Acura TL (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura TL | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | TL | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 258 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2340 mm |
