1970 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. (110 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 755 kg more than 2009 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, 1970 Chevrolet Impala (251 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1970 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Chevrolet Impala | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Impala | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5600 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3100 mm | 2340 mm |
