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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (283 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 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. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 450 kg more than 2001 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (354 Nm) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (244 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 | 1596 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 283 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 354 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1530 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
