Mazda MX-5 vs Tesla Roadster 2.5
Better figure, where one is clearly better
| MazdaMX-5 | TeslaRoadster 2.5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overview | ||
| Released | August 2015 | July 2010 |
| Performance | ||
| Powertrain | Petrol | Electric |
| Power | 130–181 bhp | 288 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 | Air-cooled AC induction motor with variable-frequency drive, rated at 375 V and 14,000 rpm. The manual lists 288 HP (215 kW) at 5,000–6,000 rpm for Roadster and 4,400–6,000 rpm for Sport. Updated power-control hardware supports driving in exceptionally hot climates. |
| Torque | 152 Nm at 4,500 rpm (1.5); 205 Nm at 4,000 rpm (2.0) | Standard 273 lb-ft (370 Nm) at 0–5,400 rpm; Sport 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) at 0–5,100 rpm. |
| Gearbox | 6-speed manual | Single-speed fixed reduction with an electrically actuated parking lock; overall final-drive ratio 8.27:1. Reverse uses the motor turning in the opposite direction. |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive. Independent unequal-length wishbones with coil springs and telescopic dampers; Sport adds adjustable damping and anti-roll bars. Directional forged wheels were introduced in silver or black. |
| Range and charging | ||
| Range detail | – | Tesla's 2011 annual filing quotes 245 miles per charge for the Roadster on the US EPA combined cycle, not WLTP. Consumer Guide describes a 244-mile advertised figure for its exact 2.5 Sport test. Period tests cite Tesla's 0–60 mph claims of 3.9 seconds for standard or 3.7 for Sport; these are not 0–62 mph figures. |
| Charging | – | Proprietary AC charging connection. The exact 2.5 manual lists charge times at 70 A/240 V of 4 hours in Standard mode or 4.5 hours in Range mode; at 13 A/240 V, 18 or 20 hours respectively. The lithium-ion battery contains 6,831 cells. Repeated Range-mode charging reduces cell life, according to the manual. |
| 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 | Width 1,851 mm including mirrors; height 1,127 mm at mid-laden weight; wheelbase 2,351 mm. The manual's 1,235 kg kerb weight excludes occupants and cargo; mid-laden figures include two 75 kg occupants. |
| Release and generation details | – | Tesla's annual filing states that Roadster 2.5 was released in July 2010 as an upgrade to Roadster 2. The 1 July announcement opened orders and described worldwide store availability as forthcoming, so that announcement day is not presented as the first delivery day. US road tests call it the 2011 model-year car. |
| Tech and safety | ||
| Infotainment | – | Optional 7-inch touchscreen with reversing camera. Revised seats have larger bolsters and lumbar support; new front-fender liner material reduces cabin noise. |
| Driver assistance | – | Anti-lock braking and traction control; optional reversing camera. Period tests describe unassisted steering. |
