2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2006 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, 2012 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
