2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1998 Nissan Terrano II
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Terrano II. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Terrano II would be higher. At 2,389 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Terrano II is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Nissan Terrano II (116 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Nissan Terrano II should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Terrano II weights approximately 725 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 1998 Nissan Terrano II 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, 1998 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, 1998 Nissan Terrano II (197 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Nissan Terrano II 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 | 1998 Nissan Terrano II | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Terrano II |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2660 mm |
