2009 Dodge Durango vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Dodge Durango is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Durango (303 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 191 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Durango weights approximately 1318 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Durango is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Durango 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, 2009 Dodge Durango (447 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 323 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Dodge Durango has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Durango will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Durango | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Durango | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2343 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 50 L |
