2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan 300 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan 300 ZX would be higher. At 2,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Nissan 300 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (171 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan 300 ZX weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 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, 1987 Nissan 300 ZX (234 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Nissan 300 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 | 1987 Nissan 300 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 300 ZX |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 234 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2530 mm |
