1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (350 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 261 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 538 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (374 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 245 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 370Z |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 374 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1503 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4404 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1844 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1316 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2550 mm |
