1997 Nissan Patrol vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Nissan Patrol. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Nissan Patrol would be higher. At 2,826 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Nissan Patrol is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1997 Nissan Patrol. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Nissan Patrol. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Nissan Patrol weights approximately 849 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Nissan Patrol, 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, 1997 Nissan Patrol (225 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Nissan Patrol will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Nissan Patrol | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Patrol | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2826 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1988 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1245 mm |
