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Toyota Corolla vs Mazda MX-5 Miata - Differences and prices compared

Compare performance (169 HP vs 181 HP), trunk space and price (22,300 $ vs 29,000 $ ) at a glance. See which model fits your needs and budget better – Toyota Corolla or Mazda MX-5 Miata?

Toyota Corolla vs Mazda MX-5 Miata: Key differences

Toyota Corolla

  • markedly cheaper
  • somewhat more efficient
  • clearly more trunk space

Mazda MX-5 Miata

  • barely more power
  • clearly lighter

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Corolla

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are key factors when choosing a car – and this is often where the real differences emerge.

Toyota Corolla is markedly cheaper – starting at 22,300 $ , while the Mazda MX-5 Miata costs 29,000 $ . That’s a price difference of around 6,660 $.

When it comes to city fuel economy, the Toyota Corolla performs somewhat better – achieving 32 mpg, compared to 26 mpg for the Mazda MX-5 Miata. That’s a difference of about 6 mpg.

MX-5 Miata

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Mazda MX-5 Miata offers barely more power – delivering 181 HP compared to 169 HP. That’s roughly 12 HP more horsepower.

There’s also a difference in torque: the Toyota Corolla delivers very slightly more torque with 156 lb-ft compared to 151 lb-ft. That’s about 5 lb-ft more.

Corolla

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Seats: Toyota Corolla offers more seats – 5 vs 2.

In terms of curb weight, Mazda MX-5 Miata is clearly lighter – 2,341 lbs compared to 2,850 lbs. The difference is around 509 lbs.

In terms of cargo space, the Toyota Corolla offers clearly more room – 13.1 cu. ft. compared to 4.6 cu. ft.. That’s a difference of about 8.5 cu. ft..

Who wins the race in the data check?

The Toyota Corolla is far ahead overall in the objective data comparison.
This result only shows which model scores more points on paper – not which of the two cars feels right for you.

from $22,300
Corolla

Toyota Corolla

  • Engine Type : Gasoline, Hybrid
  • Transmission : Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front Wheel, All Wheel
  • Power HP : 138 - 169 HP
Toyota Corolla
Mazda MX-5 Miata

Costs and Consumption

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Engine and Performance

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Dimensions and Body

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General

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Toyota Corolla

Toyota Corolla is the no-drama daily hero: calm to drive, stingy at the pump, and finished inside with a sturdiness that feels built for real life. It won’t thrill like a hot hatch, but its tidy handling, easy tech, and bulletproof reputation make it the kind of smart buy you appreciate every single morning.

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Mazda MX-5 Miata

The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a celebrated icon in the world of sports cars, known for its nimble handling and sleek design. With its lightweight structure and convertible top, it delivers an exhilarating driving experience that appeals to both enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Over the years, it has maintained its reputation for offering pure driving pleasure at an accessible price.

details
Toyota Corolla
Mazda MX-5 Miata

Costs and Consumption

Price
22,300 - 28,200 $
Price
29,000 - 35,200 $
FuelEconomy City
31 - 32 mpg
FuelEconomy City
26 mpg
FuelEconomy Hwy
40 - 41 MPG
FuelEconomy Hwy
34 - 35 MPG
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
-
Fuel tank capacity
11.3 - 13.2 gal
Fuel tank capacity
11.9 gal

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Sedan
Body Type
Convertible
Seats
5
Seats
2
Doors
-
Doors
-
Curb weight
2,850 - 3,150 lbs
Curb weight
2,341 - 2,403 lbs
Trunk Volume
13.1 cu. ft.
Trunk Volume
4.6 cu. ft.
Length
182.5 in.
Length
154.1 in.
Width
70.1 in.
Width
68.3 in.
Height
56 in.
Height
48 in.

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Gasoline, Hybrid
Engine Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Transmission
Manual, Automatic
Drive Type
Front Wheel, All Wheel
Drive Type
Rear Wheel
Power HP
138 - 169 HP
Power HP
181 HP
Torque
151 - 156 lb-ft
Torque
151 lb-ft
Number of Cylinders
-
Number of Cylinders
-
Engine Displacement
1.8 - 2 L
Engine Displacement
2 L
Gears
-
Gears
-

General

Model Year
2,025
Model Year
2,024
Brand
Toyota
Brand
Mazda
DriveDuel uses data analysis and artificial intelligence to evaluate vehicle data and create content. Content is regularly reviewed and improved. Prices shown are manufacturer suggested retail prices (MSRP). Taxes, registration fees and dealer charges are not included.