2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,997 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 29 more horse power than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. (138 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2012 Chevrolet Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Cruze weights approximately 227 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Cruze, 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 Chevrolet Cruze (200 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Cruze 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 | 2012 Chevrolet Cruze | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cruze |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4597 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1476 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 59 L |
