2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1975 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Nissan 260 ZX would be higher. At 2,565 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Nissan 260 ZX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 124 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 32 kg more than 1975 Nissan 260 ZX.
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, 1975 Nissan 260 ZX (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1975 Nissan 260 ZX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1975 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2610 mm |
