2009 Chrysler Town & Country vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,301 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Chrysler Town & Country is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country (173 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country weights approximately 790 kg more than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country, 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, 2009 Chrysler Town & Country (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Chrysler Town & Country will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chrysler Town & Country will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chrysler Town & Country | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mazda |
| Model | Town & Country | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3301 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1815 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 50 L |
