2002 Chevrolet Suburban vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 5,327 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban (282 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 1360 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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 Suburban (441 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Chevrolet Suburban has automatic transmission and 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Suburban | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Suburban | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1989 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5327 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 441 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 9 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2330 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5580 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3310 mm | 2270 mm |
