2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Nissan Sentra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Sentra is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Sentra (200 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (153 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Sentra should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 336 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.
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, 2011 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2011 Nissan Sentra (244 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Sentra 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 | 2011 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1391 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4575 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1791 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2685 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
