1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 695 kg more than 2003 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2270 mm |
