2002 Chevrolet Astro vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Astro is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,294 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Astro (187 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Astro should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 985 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Chevrolet Astro (339 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Astro | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Astro | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4294 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 339 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 8 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2270 mm |
