2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Nissan Leopard
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Nissan Leopard. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Leopard would be higher. At 1,770 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Leopard is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1984 Nissan Leopard. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan Leopard. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan Leopard weights approximately 80 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, 1984 Nissan Leopard (147 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Nissan Leopard 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 | 1984 Nissan Leopard | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Leopard |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |
