1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (230 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (104 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 372 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, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette (448 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 314 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2620 mm |
