1997 Nissan Laurel vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Laurel. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Laurel weights approximately 251 kg more than 2012 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, both vehicles can yield 190 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Nissan Laurel | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Nissan | Mazda |
Model | Laurel | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 153 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1139 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3995 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1245 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2329 mm |