2001 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Impala (180 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 548 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Chevrolet Impala, 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, 2001 Chevrolet Impala (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Impala | 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Impala | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 137 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2300 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 50 L |
