1953 Chevrolet Bel Air vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air would be higher. At 3,859 cc (6 cylinders), 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. (115 HP @ 3700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air weights approximately 289 kg more than 2008 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, 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air (271 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Chevrolet Bel Air | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Bel Air | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3859 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3700 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 135 km/hour | 215 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
