2008 Toyota Yaris vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Toyota Yaris. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Toyota Yaris would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2008 Toyota Yaris. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Toyota Yaris. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota Yaris weights approximately 205 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Yaris, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Toyota Yaris. (140 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Toyota Yaris.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Toyota Yaris | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Yaris | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1499 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 48 L |
