2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,569 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Nissan Skyline (271 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Skyline weights approximately 320 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Skyline, 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, 1997 Nissan Skyline (367 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Skyline will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2569 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 271 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 73.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
