2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2013 Nissan Z
To start off, 2013 Nissan Z is newer by 2 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Nissan Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Nissan Z (327 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Nissan Z should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Nissan Z weights approximately 448 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, 2013 Nissan Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 Nissan Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2013 Nissan Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Z |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2000 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 327 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1573 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3995 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1845 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1245 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2329 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 72 L |
