2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
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 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,362 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (157 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 388 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.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander, 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 Toyota Highlander (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2362 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 73 L |
