2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Nissan Laurel
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 1,837 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1990 Nissan Laurel. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 615 kg more than 1990 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Nissan Laurel. (142 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 1808 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2680 mm |
