2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 221 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (65 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Cherry |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 65 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 804 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2400 mm |
