2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport weights approximately 611 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Chevrolet Trans Sport | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Trans Sport | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1810 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2329 mm |
