2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1988 Nissan Silvia. (133 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Nissan Silvia weights approximately 15 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Nissan Silvia. (179 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Nissan Silvia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1808 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2440 mm |
