1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1980 Nissan Bluebird
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Nissan Bluebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Nissan Bluebird would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Nissan Bluebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Nissan Bluebird. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1980 Nissan Bluebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 45 kg more than 1980 Nissan Bluebird. 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, 1980 Nissan Bluebird (132 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Nissan Bluebird 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 | 1980 Nissan Bluebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Bluebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
