2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Toyota Soarer
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 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 4,292 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Soarer (276 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Soarer should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Soarer weights approximately 539 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, 2003 Toyota Soarer, 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, 2003 Toyota Soarer (430 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Toyota Soarer 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. 2003 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2003 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4292 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2630 mm |
