1978 GMC Jimmy vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 GMC Jimmy. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 GMC Jimmy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 840 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1978 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC Jimmy 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, 1978 GMC Jimmy (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1978 GMC Jimmy has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Jimmy | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Jimmy | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2340 mm |
