2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1969 Nissan Fairlady
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Nissan Fairlady. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Nissan Fairlady would be higher. Both 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1969 Nissan Fairlady are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1969 Nissan Fairlady. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Nissan Fairlady. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 196 kg more than 1969 Nissan Fairlady. 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Nissan Fairlady. (175 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Nissan Fairlady.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1969 Nissan Fairlady | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Fairlady |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2310 mm |
