2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Nissan Maxima (265 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Nissan Maxima weights approximately 614 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, 2005 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, 2005 Nissan Maxima (346 Nm) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm). This means 2005 Nissan Maxima 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 | 2005 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 346 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
