1985 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 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 63 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 363 kg more than 2011 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 258 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1985 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 448 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2329 mm |
