1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Nissan Sunny
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Nissan Sunny. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Nissan Sunny would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1982 Nissan Sunny. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Nissan Sunny. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 110 kg more than 1982 Nissan Sunny. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 Nissan Sunny, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Nissan Sunny. (122 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Nissan Sunny.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Nissan Sunny | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sunny |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
