1997 Infiniti Q45 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1997 Infiniti Q45 is newer by 1 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 4,130 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Infiniti Q45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Infiniti Q45 (265 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Infiniti Q45 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Infiniti Q45 weights approximately 794 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, 1997 Infiniti Q45 (378 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Infiniti Q45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Infiniti Q45 has automatic transmission and 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Infiniti Q45 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Infiniti Q45 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Infiniti | Mazda |
| Model | Q45 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4130 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 265 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 378 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1759 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2270 mm |
