2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1992 Nissan Vanette
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 Nissan Vanette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 Nissan Vanette would be higher. At 1,952 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Nissan Vanette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1992 Nissan Vanette. (86 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1992 Nissan Vanette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Nissan Vanette weights approximately 405 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1992 Nissan Vanette (148 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1992 Nissan Vanette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1992 Nissan Vanette | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Vanette |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1992 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1952 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1940 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2080 mm |
