1979 GMC Suburban vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1979 GMC Suburban. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1979 GMC Suburban. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 GMC Suburban weights approximately 790 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1979 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 GMC Suburban 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, 1979 GMC Suburban (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 GMC Suburban | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Suburban | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 2200 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2340 mm |
