2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Toyota Camry
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Toyota Camry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Toyota Camry would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Camry is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Camry (126 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Camry should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Camry, 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, 1999 Toyota Camry (187 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Camry will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Toyota Camry has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Toyota Camry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Toyota Camry | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Camry |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 126 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2680 mm |
