2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 483 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.
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, 2011 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Nissan 370Z has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
