2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. (171 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 313 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 1987 Nissan 300 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1987 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
