2009 Mini Cooper vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mini Cooper (172 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 30 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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, 2009 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2009 Mini Cooper has manual transmission. 2009 Mini Cooper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mini Cooper | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mini | Mazda |
| Model | Cooper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
