2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 832 kg more than 2011 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 200 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1255 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 80 L |
