1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2003 Nissan Murano
To start off, 2003 Nissan Murano is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,507 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Murano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Murano (245 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Murano should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Murano weights approximately 775 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Nissan Murano is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Murano will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Nissan Murano (323 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Murano 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 | 2003 Nissan Murano | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Murano |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 82 L |
