2010 Mazda MX5 Miata vs 2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

2010 Mazda Miata

The Miata, officially named the Mazda MX-5 made a big return with a recent redesign and continues to offer consumers a small, lightweight and affordable sports car. The 2010 MX-5 MIATA is a 2-door, 2-passenger convertible sports car, available in 5 trims, ranging from the Sport to the Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop. Upon introduction, the Sport is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 167-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, I4, 167-horsepower engine that achieves 21-mpg in the city and 28-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed manual transmission with overdrive is standard. The 2010 MX-5 MIATA is a carryover from 2009.

Miata Power and Handling

A 2.0-liter four-cylinder powers the Miata with 158 horsepower when teamed with the optional six-speed automatic transmission. When equipped with the five- or six-speed manual, it produces 167 hp. The difference comes from a higher redline with the manual: 7,200 rpm, rather than 6,700 rpm with the automatic. Straight-line stability has also been enhanced, although the stiffer suspension settings generate a slight pitching motion at speed and a harsher ride overall. But on winding roads and racetracks, this new suspension setting is superb and cannot be faulted, especially when combined with these grippy 205/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A run-flat tires.

2010 Miata Design

 When the Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster debuted for 1990, this snazzy little convertible was an instant hit. Today's third-generation car continues the trend. Last year's restyling extended the nose lower and made the grille larger and smile-shaped. The headlights became shapelier. The rear bumper became deeper and wider, with a more prominent crease on the side, and the tailpipes were made flush with the bumper. The headlights are slanted upward more than before, rocker sill skirts have been integrated into the shape, the taillights protrude and a small spoiler is integrated into the trunk lid. The designers have also made the front and rear bumpers wider to redirect the flow of air away from the turbulent area around the spinning tires. As a result, the Cd has dropped 0.01 to 0.34 for the soft top and 0.32 for the hardtop.

Inside the MX-5 Miata

Inside the cabin, the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is almost unchanged except for a newly fitted auxiliary socket for your iPod, softer leatherlike trim surfaces and a fuel-economy gauge located between the tach and speedo. And for lanky 6-foot-3 drivers like yours truly, there's a new cupholder within the door pocket that doesn't foul your knees. Recaro sport seats are also optional, as are 17-inch BBS rims. The car is small, but the two-seat configuration provides more driver space than you might expect.

2010 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder

 The Eclipse is Mitsubishi's performance two-door sports car and is offered in coupe and convertible Spyder form. The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder is a convertible version of the Eclipse coupe. In most regards, the Spyder provides a similar driving and ownership experience to the coupe, which means sleek styling, four-passenger seating, a powerful available V6 and a reasonable amount of comfort. The front-wheel-drive Eclipse Spyder is available in base GS and sporty GT trims and shares its basic platform with the Galant sedan. With the Spyder in the affordable convertible segment, Mitsubishi has taken a balanced approach. With nimble and sporty two-seat roadsters on one end of the spectrum and four-seat family-sedan-based convertibles on the other, the Eclipse sits comfortably in the middle.

Eclipse Spyder Power and Handling

The GS is reasonably well-equipped with air-conditioning and full power features, along with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine good for 162 horsepower. In addition to its burly 265-hp, 3.8-liter V6, the GT has a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, stability control, xenon headlights and foglights. Both models have a power-operated convertible soft top. The Eclipse Spyder gets slightly more horsepower and torque than the V-6 made last year.

Mitsubishi Eclipse Design

 The major difference between the new Eclipse and its predecessor can be seen at the front of the car. A new grille and bumper design make the front look much more intimidating, as both parts are now finished in black. V-6 GT models now have twin tailpipes, and their appearance brings to mind the pipes on the Nissan 350Z. The big rear wing on the coupe is also new.

Inside the Eclipse Spyder

Mitsubishi says new fabric is used in the cabin in order to enhance the appearance of the car. Standard features include air conditioning, cruise control, and keyless entry. The Eclipse Spyder comes standard with front airbags and front side-impact airbags with head extensions, vehicle stability control with traction control, anti-lock brakes, and a tire pressure monitoring system. For 2010, Mitsubishi has enhanced the GS model with styling cues from the GT trim. Also, Bluetooth, rear view camera, and auxiliary input jack are available.

Conclusions

The Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder has earned favorable commentary for its powerful V6 engine, comfortable front seating and stylish interior. Noted downsides include a hefty curb weight that dulls handling, poor top-up outward visibility, sluggish acceleration on four-cylinder models and a large turning radius. The Mazda MX-5 Miata is a two-seat convertible powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine good for 167 horsepower. Depending on trim level, you'll find this power routed to the rear wheels through a five- or six-speed manual transmission or an available six-speed automatic -- though with the automatic, hp drops to 158. If you're in the market for an affordable car that provides plenty of top-down, open-road thrills, we highly recommend putting a new or used Mazda Miata on your list. In comparison the Miata gets better mileage: 28/22mpg highway/city while the Eclips Spyder is estimated at 26/19 mpg highway/city. The Mazda MX-5 is also slightly lowered price: It has an MSRP of $22,810 - $28,250
while the Spyder is sold for $27,799 - $32,599.  The Spyder is a bit larger than the MX-5 Miata, offering riders more cabin space. It also get 4 more hp than the Miata does, as it is powered by a 2.4 liter engine and the Miata gets a 2.0 liter V4.