Mazda MX-5 vs Tesla Roadster (2008)
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| MazdaMX-5 | TeslaRoadster (2008) | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | August 2015 | February 2008 |
| Performance | ||
| Powertrain | Petrol | Electric |
| Power | 130–181 bhp | 248 bhp (better) |
| 0–62 mph | 6.5–8.3 s | – |
| Top speed | 127–136 mph | – |
| Engine or motors | 1.5-litre Skyactiv-G four-cylinder petrol, 132 PS (97 kW) at 7,000 rpm, or 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G petrol, 184 PS (135 kW) at 7,000 rpm; bhp converted from kW. Both have i-stop and i-ELOOP. The 2.0-litre is being sold from remaining UK stock, and a 136 PS 1.5 arrives with the 2027 model year in January 2027 | The 2008 owner manual, revised in January 2009, specifies an air-cooled AC induction motor rated at 375 V, 14,000 rpm and 248 HP (185 kW) at 5,500–6,800 rpm for the single-speed car. Later Roadster 2 and 2.5 generations are separate entries. |
| Torque | 152 Nm at 4,500 rpm (1.5); 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm (2.0) | Tesla’s September 2008 powertrain announcement lists 286 Nm (211 lb-ft) for the earlier drivetrain and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) for the new single-speed drivetrain. The revised 2008 manual instead lists 277 lb-ft (376 Nm); these documentary differences are retained explicitly. |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual | The first production cars used an interim transmission. During 2008 Tesla introduced a BorgWarner single-speed gearbox and offered earlier owners a free powertrain upgrade. The revised 2008 manual gives an overall ratio of 8.27:1. |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive. |
| Range and charging | ||
| Range detail | – | Tesla’s September 2008 announcement gives 244 miles on the US EPA combined cycle for the new single-speed drivetrain, versus the previously announced 221 miles. The original interim-transmission claim was 0–60 mph in 5.7 seconds; the September announcement gives 3.9 seconds for the new drivetrain. Neither EPA range nor 0–60 mph is entered as WLTP or 0–62 mph. |
| Charging | – | The revised 2008 owner manual describes proprietary AC charging and a lithium-ion battery with 6,831 cells. |
| Economy (WLTP) | 41.5–45.6 mpg | – |
| Efficiency | WLTP combined 45.6 mpg (6.2 l/100 km) for the 1.5; 41.5 mpg (6.8 l/100 km) for the 2.0 | – |
| CO2 emissions | 140 g/km (1.5); 153 g/km (2.0), WLTP combined | No tailpipe emissions. |
| Practicality | ||
| Body | Convertible | Convertible |
| Seats | 2 | 2 |
| Boot | 130 litres | – |
| Length | 3,915 mm | 3,946 mm |
| Weight | – | From 1,235 kg |
| Towing | – | Trailer towing is not permitted. |
| Width | 1,735 mm | – |
| Boot | 130 litres | – |
| Size | 3,915 mm long, 1,735 mm wide (without mirrors), 1,225 mm high (1.5) or 1,230 mm (2.0); 2,310 mm wheelbase; 10.0 m turning circle (wall to wall); 141 mm (1.5) or 149 mm (2.0) ground clearance; maximum kerb weight 1,106 kg (1.5) or 1,128 kg (2.0), including a 75 kg driver. A folding hard-top version is sold as the MX-5 RF | The revised 2008 manual gives width 1,851 mm including mirrors, height 1,126.5 mm at mid-laden weight and wheelbase 2,351 mm. Its 1,235 kg kerb weight excludes occupants and cargo; mid-laden dimensions include two 75 kg occupants. |
| Release and generation details | – | Tesla’s 2010 S-1 filing explicitly says its first Roadster was physically delivered in February 2008. Regular production followed in March; the single-speed powertrain update was announced in September 2008. The reviews concern that updated car, before the Roadster 2 cabin and Sport launch in 2009. |
| Tech and safety | ||
| Driver assistance | – | Anti-lock braking and traction control. Unassisted steering, as described in both period single-speed road tests. |
