2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,183 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (127 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 6 |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2183 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4755 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1795 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
