2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mitsubishi Montero would be higher. At 2,477 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Montero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. (120 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Mitsubishi Montero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Montero weights approximately 835 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2003 Mitsubishi Montero 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Montero 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Montero (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Montero 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 | 2003 Mitsubishi Montero | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Montero |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2477 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 91.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
