2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Nissan Santana
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 Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Nissan Santana would be higher. At 1,994 cc (5 cylinders), 1984 Nissan Santana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1984 Nissan Santana. (102 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Nissan Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Nissan Santana weights approximately 5 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Nissan Santana, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Nissan Santana. (152 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Nissan Santana. 1984 Nissan Santana has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Nissan Santana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Nissan Santana | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Santana |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1984 |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2560 mm |
