2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Chevrolet Express
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Express is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 4,300 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Express (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 1091 kg more than 2004 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, 2012 Chevrolet Express (352 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Chevrolet Express has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Chevrolet Express | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Express |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 4300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 2231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5692 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 2126 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3429 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 117 L |
