2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata: 0-60 Time, Specs, and Features [2024 Updated]

By: Max F. Arellano / February 18, 2024

Overview

The 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata's 0-60 time is 8.0 seconds, with a quarter mile time of 16.1 seconds, powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 142 horsepower and 125 lb-ft of torque.

This Miata is available with two transmission options, a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic, aligning with the preferences of both driving enthusiasts and those looking for a more relaxed experience.

Regardless of the chosen transmission, all models are rear-wheel drive, which is a nod to the classic sports car formula and a factor in the car's balanced handling. The only body style available for the 2002 Miata is a convertible, perfect for those looking for an open-air driving experience.

One of the standout qualities of the MX-5 Miata is its nimble handling and lightweight design. Its compact size allows for quick maneuvers and a fun, engaging driving experience. The suspension is finely tuned, offering a good balance between comfort and sportiness.

The design of the 2002 MX-5 Miata is timeless, with a simple and sleek look that still turns heads today. The car's interior is a bit sparse by today's standards, but it aligns with the Miata's philosophy of simplicity and driver focus. The seats are comfortable and supportive, but taller drivers may find the cabin a bit cramped.

There's also a lack of modern conveniences, such as a navigation system or high-end audio system, which some might see as a downside.

The Miata's trunk is also on the smaller side, limiting its practicality for longer trips or shopping sprees. However, the car's fuel efficiency is a positive, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

One should note that while the 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata excels as a fun-to-drive sports car, it may not be the best choice as a daily driver due to its firm ride and lack of cargo space. It also doesn't offer much in the way of high-tech safety features, which are becoming increasingly common in newer vehicles.

2002 Miata 0-60 Time analysis

The 2002 Miata 0-60 time of 8 seconds is based on the reports of the 2001 Miata, which was the version tested by both Car and Driver and Motor Trend. There is virtually no difference between the 2001 and 2002 models other than some ancillary features, so it is safe to assume that performance would be the same.

It's important to emphasize that this specifically pertains to the manual transmission variant, universally regarded as the preferred choice.

Compared to today's standards, an 8-second 0-60 time is quite slow. The most recently tested Miata, the 2022 Club trim, gets to 60 in just 5.4 seconds for reference.

It does have 39 more horsepower, about a 27% increase, and 26 lb-ft more torque, with its 2-liter engine, which helps account for the large gap in speed.

Even modern SUVs are faster, with the Mazda CX-5's getting to 60mph in under 8 seconds back in 2015, with current versions now getting there in under 7 seconds.

Was the 0-60 time good for its price?

The Miata has always been considered an affordable sports car, back in 2002 it cost just $21,280, which was $3000 cheaper than the national average at the time.

The 0-60 of a 'generic' car in this time period, such as the Honda Civic or Chevrolet Malibu was about 8.5 - 9 seconds, so concerning acceleration, it was only slightly above average.

Currently, the MSRP of a 2002 Miata is ~$6000. Can you find cars with better straight-line acceleration at this price? Absolutely.

The 2002 Impreza WRX had a 0-60 time of just 5.4 seconds, and according to kelly blue book can be found for between $5000 - $8000.

Even the V6 Mustangs of that era could get to 60 in 7 seconds, and cost between $4000 - $6000 today.

Obviously you don't buy a car like the Miata just for acceleration, as it also is known to have excellent handling, one of the best gearboxes ever produced, and affordable parts if it needs repair.

So if these are the things that interest you, you might be wondering how the 2002 Miata compared to other cars in this niche. Let's take a look:

2002 MX-5 Miata vs Rivals

In the present day, the Miata is most often compared with the Toyota GR86, however, these wouldn't come online for another decade, so we'll look at the Honda S2000 and the Toyota MR2 Spyder.

Honda S2000:

       
• Performance: Boasted a 2-liter engine that produced 100 more horsepower than the Miata, it had 0-60 times in the mid-5-second range.
       
• Design and Styling: Sleek and aggressive design, emphasizing performance and athleticism.
       
• Driving Experience: High-performance driving experience with precise steering, sharp handling, and a responsive throttle.
       
• Price and Value: Generally cost about $10,000 more than a Miata.
   

Toyota MR2 Spyder:

       
• Performance: 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds for the 2002 model, propelled by a 138hp 2.0 liter 4 cylinder engine.
       
• Design and Styling: Unique mid-engine layout and modern styling.
       
• Driving Experience: Balanced and agile driving experience with a mid-engine layout enhancing stability and cornering capabilities.
       
• Price and Value: Cost a couple of thousand dollars more than the Miata, offering good value for a mid-engine sports car.
   

Mazda MX-5 Miata:

       
• Performance: Slightly slower acceleration compared to the S2000 and MR2 Spyder.
       
• Design and Styling: Classic roadster design with timeless and sporty appearance.
       
• Driving Experience: Fun and engaging driving experience with predictable handling and lightweight chassis.
       
• Price and Value: Provided excellent value for its price, offering a rewarding driving experience at a relatively lower cost.
   

While the Miata was cheaper than its main rivals, its acceleration was significantly worse. However, not everything can be analyzed from a purely statistical standpoint; Motortrend preferred the Miata to the Spyder in their comparison, stating that it was simply more fun to drive.

How can I improve the Miata's 0-60 time?

If you aren't satisfied with the 2002 Miata's leisurely stroll to 60mph, there are a few upgrades you can make to improve it.

• Tires: Upgrading to high-performance tires improves traction, allowing the car to transfer engine power to the road more efficiently. This results in better grip during acceleration, reducing wheel slip and improving 0-60 mph times.
• Air Intake: A high-flow air intake system allows more air into the engine, improving combustion efficiency and potentially increasing horsepower. This can lead to better throttle response and faster acceleration.
• Exhaust Header: Replacing the stock exhaust header with a performance-oriented one can reduce exhaust backpressure, allowing the engine to expel exhaust gases more efficiently. This increases the engine's output and can lead to quicker acceleration.

Conclusion

While the Miata is generally regarded as one of the most enjoyable cars to drive, the acceleration of the 2002 model was lacking, at the time of production and even more so compared to present-day vehicles.