1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2006 Nissan Sentra is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Sentra. (127 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 505 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Sentra, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Nissan Sentra (175 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2006 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sentra |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 127 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
