2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Nissan 260 ZX weights approximately 75 kg more than 2005 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, 1978 Nissan 260 ZX (190 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1978 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1978 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2610 mm |
