2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda Roadster (197 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 33 kg more than 2001 Mazda Roadster.
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, 2001 Mazda Roadster (196 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda Roadster 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 | 2001 Mazda Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
