1999 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1979 Dodge Mirada
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Dodge Mirada (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Dodge Mirada should accelerate faster than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 485 kg more than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier | 1979 Dodge Mirada | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Dodge |
| Model | Cavalier | Mirada |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 5209 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1700 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2870 mm |
