1985 Nissan Prairie vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Nissan Prairie 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 88 more horse power than 1985 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 164 kg more than 1985 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1985 Nissan Prairie, 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, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Nissan Prairie. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1985 Nissan Prairie has manual transmission. 1985 Nissan Prairie will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Nissan Prairie | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Prairie | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 1487 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2329 mm |
