2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 23 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
