1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 388 kg more than 2008 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 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 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
Model | Caprice | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1999 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 148 HP | 166 HP |
Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6700 RPM |
Torque | 333 Nm | 190 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1332 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1730 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1250 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2340 mm |