1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Nissan 260 ZX (124 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (110 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Nissan 260 ZX should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 122 kg more than 1999 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, 1979 Nissan 260 ZX (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1038 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
