1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 435 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, 1986 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1986 Nissan 300 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 | 1986 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
