1986 Nissan Prairie vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Soul (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1986 Nissan Prairie. (79 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Soul should accelerate faster than 1986 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Soul weights approximately 211 kg more than 1986 Nissan Prairie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 Kia Soul (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Nissan Prairie. (121 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Soul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Nissan Prairie. 2012 Kia Soul has automatic transmission and 1986 Nissan Prairie has manual transmission. 1986 Nissan Prairie will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Soul will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Nissan Prairie | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Nissan | Kia |
| Model | Prairie | Soul |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Engine Size | 1485 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2550 mm |
