2012 Mazda CX-7 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,300 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda CX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (244 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda CX-7 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda CX-7 weights approximately 563 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7 (349 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda CX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda CX-7 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | CX-7 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2300 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 244 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 349 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1718 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4681 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1872 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1646 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2751 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 50 L |
