2011 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda CX-7 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 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 579 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 CX-7, 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 CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda CX-7 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 CX-7 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda CX-7 | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | CX-7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2010 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1718 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4681 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1646 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2751 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 48 L |
