2011 Lexus IS vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Lexus IS would be higher. At 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 576 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 312 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Lexus IS 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. 2011 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2011 Lexus IS | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Lexus | Mazda |
Model | IS | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5000 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 416 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 502 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4661 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1816 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1415 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2728 mm | 2329 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 48 L |