1997 Mazda MPV vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Mazda MPV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Mazda MPV would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MPV. (146 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MPV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 286 kg more than 1997 Mazda MPV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MPV. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MPV.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MPV | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MPV | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1722 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2850 mm |
