2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer
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 Lancer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer (276 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 246 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 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer will offer significantly more control. 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 Lancer (383 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer 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 | 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Lancer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 383 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 71 L |
