1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, both 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1999 Chevrolet Prizm were released in the same year (1999). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm weights approximately 67 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1999 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 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Chevrolet Prizm, 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 Prizm (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1999 Chevrolet Prizm will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1999 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Prizm |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
