1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 525 kg more than 2009 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 Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 50 L |
