2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 219 kg more than 2005 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.1 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
