2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2005 Nissan 350Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 805 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 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 (372 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2005 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2005 Nissan 350Z will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | Roadster | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
