2008 Hyundai Tucson 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 Hyundai Tucson. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Hyundai Tucson would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2008 Hyundai Tucson. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Hyundai Tucson. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Tucson weights approximately 491 kg more 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 Hyundai Tucson, 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 Hyundai Tucson (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Tucson will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Hyundai Tucson | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Hyundai | Mazda |
| Model | Tucson | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 48 L |
