2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Galant
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Galant would be higher. At 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Galant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. (138 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Mitsubishi Galant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Galant weights approximately 230 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, 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, 2002 Mitsubishi Galant (210 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Galant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Mitsubishi Galant 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. 2002 Mitsubishi Galant will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Mitsubishi Galant | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Galant |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2351 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2640 mm |
