1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Nissan Terrano
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Nissan Terrano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Nissan Terrano would be higher. At 2,663 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Nissan Terrano is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1996 Nissan Terrano. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Nissan Terrano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan Terrano weights approximately 820 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1996 Nissan Terrano is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Nissan Terrano 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 (221 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan Terrano will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1996 Nissan Terrano has manual transmission. 1996 Nissan Terrano will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Nissan Terrano | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Terrano |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2660 mm |
