2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,358 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2005 Toyota Highlander. (160 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Toyota Highlander. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 576 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Toyota Highlander 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, 2005 Toyota Highlander (224 Nm) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm). This means 2005 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2358 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1701 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
