2010 Toyota Highlander vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Toyota Highlander is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Toyota Highlander (270 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 709 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2010 Toyota Highlander (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Toyota Highlander | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Highlander | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 336 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1864 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4785 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 50 L |
