2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Nissan Silvia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Nissan Silvia (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Nissan Silvia should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 45 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1987 Nissan Silvia (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Nissan Silvia 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 | 1987 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 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 | 1155 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2440 mm |
