2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2012 Toyota RAV4 is newer by 4 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (179 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 403 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 2012 Toyota RAV4 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 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, 2012 Toyota RAV4 (233 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Toyota RAV4 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. 2012 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 179 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1558 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1854 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1684 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2659 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
