1969 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1969 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 575 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, 1969 Chevrolet Impala (256 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1969 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Chevrolet Impala | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Impala | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.2 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.6 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2270 mm |
