2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1999 Toyota MR2. (127 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 25 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Toyota MR2. (176 Nm). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Toyota MR2.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 985 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 87 L |
