1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Nissan Santana
To start off, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1989 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1989 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Nissan Santana weights approximately 119 kg more than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1991 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 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Nissan Santana, 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 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Nissan Santana | |
Make | Mazda | Nissan |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Santana |
Year Released | 1991 | 1989 |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1781 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 116 HP | 93 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 130 Nm | 142 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1074 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |