2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (138 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 171 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (170 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla. 2002 Toyota Corolla 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. 2002 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 1786 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1296 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
