2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 322 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima, 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (339 Nm) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2006 Nissan Altima 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 | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Altima |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 10.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
