2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2010 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2010 Nissan Maxima is newer by 2 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Nissan Maxima (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 451 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.
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, 2010 Nissan Maxima, 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, 2010 Nissan Maxima (353 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Maxima 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 | 2010 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1606 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4841 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1859 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1468 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
