1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1970 Nissan Fairlady
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Nissan Fairlady. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Nissan Fairlady would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Nissan Fairlady is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1970 Nissan Fairlady. (110 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Nissan Fairlady. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 30 kg more than 1970 Nissan Fairlady. 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, 1970 Nissan Fairlady (175 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Nissan Fairlady will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1970 Nissan Fairlady | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Fairlady |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1970 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2310 mm |
