1996 Dodge Dakota vs. 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1996 Dodge Dakota is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,458 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Dakota is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Dakota weights approximately 575 kg more than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Dodge Dakota is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Dakota will offer significantly more control. 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, 1996 Dodge Dakota (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (136 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Dakota will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Dakota | 1992 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Dakota | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2270 mm |
