2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (242 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 247 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.
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, 1987 Chevrolet Corvette (454 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette 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. 1987 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1987 Chevrolet Corvette | |
| Make | Mazda | Chevrolet |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Corvette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 454 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 42 L |
