2006 Nissan Primera vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Nissan Primera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Nissan Primera would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Nissan Primera. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2006 Nissan Primera. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Primera weights approximately 363 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Primera, 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, 2006 Nissan Primera (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Primera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2006 Nissan Primera has manual transmission. 2006 Nissan Primera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Nissan Primera | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Primera | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1870 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 48 L |
