1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Nissan Prairie
To start off, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Nissan Prairie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Nissan Prairie would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Nissan Prairie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1982 Nissan Prairie. (89 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Nissan Prairie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Nissan Prairie weights approximately 105 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1994 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 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Nissan Prairie (150 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (130 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1982 Nissan Prairie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Nissan Prairie | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Prairie |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1982 |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2520 mm |
