2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Toyota Previa
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 Toyota Previa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Previa would be higher. At 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Toyota Previa (160 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Previa should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Previa weights approximately 355 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, 2005 Toyota Previa, 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, 2005 Toyota Previa (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Toyota Previa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Toyota Previa 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. 2005 Toyota Previa will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Previa |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2900 mm |
