1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 725 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport, 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, 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport (286 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Trans Sport | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 286 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2270 mm |
