1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1985 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 25 kg more than 1998 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, 1985 Nissan Skyline (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1985 Nissan Skyline has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Nissan Skyline will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1985 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Skyline |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2620 mm |
