2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Nissan Primera
To start off, 2008 Nissan Primera is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,870 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Primera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Primera. (119 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Primera weights approximately 348 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, 2008 Nissan Primera, 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, 2008 Nissan Primera (270 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Primera 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 | 2008 Nissan Primera | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Primera |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1870 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.5 seconds | 10.1 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1488 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 5.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
