1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 610 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1979 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2270 mm |
