2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Nissan GT-R
To start off, 2011 Nissan GT-R is newer by 3 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan GT-R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan GT-R (485 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan GT-R should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan GT-R weights approximately 408 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 2011 Nissan GT-R is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Nissan GT-R will offer significantly more control. 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, 2011 Nissan GT-R (588 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 398 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan GT-R 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 | 2011 Nissan GT-R | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | GT-R |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 485 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1737 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4651 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1902 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1372 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2779 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 74 L |
