2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1986 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Santana. (93 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Nissan Santana weights approximately 45 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Nissan Santana, 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, 1986 Nissan Santana (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1986 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1986 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Santana |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1986 |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
