1983 Lancia Prisma vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Lancia Prisma. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Lancia Prisma would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1983 Lancia Prisma. (85 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1983 Lancia Prisma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 75 kg more than 1983 Lancia Prisma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Prisma, 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, 1983 Lancia Prisma (129 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Prisma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Prisma | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Lancia | Mazda |
| Model | Prisma | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
