2008 Kia Picanto vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Kia Picanto is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Kia Picanto. (64 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Picanto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 137 kg more than 2008 Kia Picanto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Picanto, 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Picanto. (99 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Picanto. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Picanto has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Picanto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Picanto | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Picanto | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1086 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 99 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 928 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 50 L |
