2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota Highlander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota Highlander would be higher. At 2,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Toyota Highlander (155 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster 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, 2007 Toyota Highlander (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2007 Toyota Highlander has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Highlander |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 73 L |
