1987 Chevrolet Beretta vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Beretta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Beretta would be higher. At 2,843 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Beretta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Beretta. (129 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Beretta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Beretta weights approximately 91 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Beretta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1987 Chevrolet Beretta (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Beretta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1987 Chevrolet Beretta has manual transmission. 1987 Chevrolet Beretta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Chevrolet Beretta | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Beretta | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2843 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2329 mm |
