2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (287 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 170 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, 2005 Nissan 350Z (372 Nm) has 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2005 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 287 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1499 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
