1983 GMC Suburban vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 GMC Suburban. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 GMC Suburban would be higher. At 7,446 cc (8 cylinders), 1983 GMC Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 GMC Suburban (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 GMC Suburban should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 GMC Suburban weights approximately 1305 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 GMC Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 GMC Suburban (488 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1983 GMC Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1983 GMC Suburban has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 GMC Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 GMC Suburban | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | GMC | Mazda |
| Model | Suburban | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7446 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5480 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2270 mm |
