2009 Saturn Vue vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Saturn Vue. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Saturn Vue would be higher. At 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Vue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Vue (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Vue should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Vue, 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 Saturn Vue (227 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Vue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Saturn Vue has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Saturn Vue will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Saturn Vue 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Saturn Mazda
Model Vue MX-5 Miata
Year Released 2009 2012
Body Type SUV Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2401 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 172 HP 167 HP
Engine RPM 6500 RPM 7000 RPM
Torque 227 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 5000 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline / Electric Hybrid Gasoline
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic 5-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Length 4580 mm 3995 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1690 mm 1245 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2329 mm
Fuel Consumption 7.4 L/100km 8.4 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 9.4 L/100km 10.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 68 L 48 L