1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 371 kg more than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Lumina | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 48 L |
