2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Nissan Skyline would be higher. Both 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1972 Nissan Skyline are equipped with a 1,998 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1972 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 5 kg more than 1972 Nissan Skyline. 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 (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Nissan Skyline. (160 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2650 mm |
