2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier is newer by 3 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Frontier weights approximately 518 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, 2012 Nissan Frontier (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1693 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
