2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata is the newer version with some differences, such as the horsepower and fuel economy.. And finally, the 2015 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a more powerful engine and gets 6 mpg less than the 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Among similarities are the body structure, market segment, starting price, ground shadow size, height, and maximum occupancy.