2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 8 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 431 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.
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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1147 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.1 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 72 L |
