2003 Nissan Almera vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Almera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Almera would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2003 Nissan Almera. (81 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Nissan Almera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Almera weights approximately 26 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Almera, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Almera. (175 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Almera. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan Almera has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan Almera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Nissan Almera | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Almera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1461 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1165 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
