1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,190 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 204 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1994 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 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Cavalier | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 48 L |
