2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero (205 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero weights approximately 785 kg more than 2002 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 Mitsubishi Pajero is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero 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 Mitsubishi Pajero (300 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Mitsubishi Pajero | |
| Make | Mazda | Mitsubishi |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Pajero |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3497 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2430 mm |
