2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Nissan Santana
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP) has 45 more horse power than 1984 Nissan Santana. (67 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan Santana weights approximately 65 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1984 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, 1984 Nissan Santana (132 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Nissan Santana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Santana |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1984 |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 67 HP |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1090 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 |
