2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Sentra is newer by 4 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 1258 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2008 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2008 Nissan Sentra (233 Nm) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2008 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 2405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 9.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
