1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2007 Nissan 350Z is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Nissan 350Z (297 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1997 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, 2007 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 234 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 350Z |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 297 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
