1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2010 Nissan Frontier is newer by 12 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 3,952 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 304 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.
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, 2010 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2010 Nissan Frontier 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. 2010 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2010 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Frontier |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
