2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2011 Dodge Caliber is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Caliber (172 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 76 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, 2011 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2011 Dodge Caliber (223 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Caliber 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 | 2011 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Mazda | Dodge |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Caliber |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 51 L |
