1997 Chevrolet Camaro vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Camaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Camaro would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Camaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (190 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro weights approximately 451 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, 1997 Chevrolet Camaro (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Camaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1997 Chevrolet Camaro has manual transmission. 1997 Chevrolet Camaro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Camaro | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Camaro | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3789 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2329 mm |
