1968 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. (109 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 327 kg more than 2001 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, 1968 Chevrolet Nova (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1968 Chevrolet Nova will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1968 Chevrolet Nova has manual transmission. 1968 Chevrolet Nova will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Nova | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Nova | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2270 mm |
