2008 Chevrolet Uplander vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Chevrolet Uplander. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Chevrolet Uplander would be higher. At 3,880 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Chevrolet Uplander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Chevrolet Uplander (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Uplander should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Chevrolet Uplander weights approximately 1235 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Chevrolet Uplander, 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, 2008 Chevrolet Uplander (325 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Chevrolet Uplander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2008 Chevrolet Uplander has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Chevrolet Uplander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Chevrolet Uplander | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Uplander | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3880 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2360 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.5 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 95 L | 48 L |
