2009 Nissan Sentra vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 Nissan Sentra. (140 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2009 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Sentra weights approximately 317 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Sentra, 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, 2009 Nissan Sentra (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Sentra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Sentra | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Sentra | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 199 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
