1989 Chevrolet APV vs. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chevrolet APV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chevrolet APV would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet APV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet APV (118 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet APV should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet APV weights approximately 625 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet APV, 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, 1989 Chevrolet APV (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet APV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1989 Chevrolet APV has automatic transmission and 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Chevrolet APV will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet APV | 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | APV | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4930 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2270 mm |
