1978 Nissan Cedric vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cedric. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cedric would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cedric. (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cedric. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan Cedric weights approximately 225 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cedric. (147 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cedric.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Nissan Cedric | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Cedric | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2329 mm |
