2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Saleen S7
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Saleen S7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Saleen S7 would be higher. At 7,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Saleen S7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saleen S7 (750 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 626 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saleen S7 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saleen S7 weights approximately 92 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Saleen S7 (949 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 782 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Saleen S7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Saleen S7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saleen |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | S7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 7000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 750 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 949 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 196 km/hour | 399 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 2.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1981 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1041 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2692 mm |
