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 3,489 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan 350Z (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 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 695 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 @ 4800 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). 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 | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 3489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 372 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.8 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1835 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
