1996 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 4,312 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 891 kg more than 2012 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, 1996 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Caprice | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4312 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2030 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5530 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2329 mm |
