1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Nissan Terrano II
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Terrano II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Terrano II would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. (116 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Terrano II. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 601 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1996 Nissan Terrano II is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Terrano II 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 Nissan Terrano II (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Terrano II will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Nissan Terrano II | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Terrano II |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1626 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1810 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
