2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,487 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Altima. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Altima. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 159 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima 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 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Altima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 6.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
