2005 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 3,343 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Chevrolet Impala (181 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 439 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Chevrolet Impala (278 Nm) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm). This means 2005 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Chevrolet Impala | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Impala | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3343 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 91 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1537 kg | 1098 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 50 L |
