Corvette vs. Miata: Which is faster?

A loaded question with too many variables, right? What if the Miata has a V8? What if the Corvette is up on blocks?

Miatas have dominated that class going back decades, and looks like 60 of those entries are ND-chassis cars. Totally makes sense to go with what works, right?

I spy one Porsche Cayman. Okay, I can see that. The Cayman delivers a similar experience.

Comments

ClearWaterMS HalfDork
8/9/24 9:35 a.m.

the c4 is a crazy capable with the ability to put quite a bit of tire on it. They are also 30 years old and may/may not be super well maintained. Equal drivers, assuming healthy LT1 makes 300hp and weighs 3200 pounds for a pw/wt ratio of 10.6 pounds per hp. They also have 255/285 factory tire widths for an estimated average contact patch of 10.6" per corner.

with 225 tires, weight of 2300 pounds and 181hp puts it with less contact patch (roughly 8.8" per corner) less HP per pound (12.88 pounds per hp) but better technology (ABS tech), a good chance of no deferred maintenance and given the number of them a good likelihood that you'll find the best drivers in them.

All things being equal, I think the corvette is probably capable of being faster, but since the Miata is the goto car in that class I suspect the fastest drivers will be in Miatas.

theruleslawyer Reader
8/9/24 10:30 a.m.

As always it depends on course, but one thing to keep in mind is that the miata is physically smaller and due to that has to displace less on course and can actually travel a shorter distance to finish. Depending on gate widths it can allow them to take a different line, etc. Distance wins autocrosses.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/9/24 10:33 a.m.

Something I found interesting.

ND Miata width: 68.1 inches.

C4 Corvette width: 71.0 inches.

Appleseed MegaDork
8/9/24 10:44 a.m.

In reply to ClearWaterMS :

The oldest C4 is now 40 years old. Oof.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/9/24 10:46 a.m.

In reply to Appleseed :

Crazy, huh?

Keith Tanner GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
8/9/24 10:52 a.m.

Too bad they're not C3s. Then it would look like a bunch of kids playing tag with grandpa.

Huh, i took this picture in 2015, before the RF came out. I never realized that the RF possibly looks even more like the Corvette with the vertical rear window and flying buttresses.

I think the Miatas will run away and hide from the Corvettes. It's the default car in the class for a reason.

ClearWaterMS HalfDork
8/9/24 11:36 a.m.

Appleseed said:
In reply to ClearWaterMS :

The oldest C4 is now 40 years old. Oof.

early c5 corvettes and the oldest water cooled 911's qualify for antique plates here in Illinois...

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
8/9/24 12:01 p.m.

In reply to ClearWaterMS :

My Miata wears an antique plate. Not sure how I feel about that....

gixxeropa GRM+ Memberand HalfDork
8/9/24 12:08 p.m.

C4s have really grown on me, never hated them but always preferred the C3 (my highschool car) and C5 on either side so they were overshadowed. Nowadays I'm on the lookout for a non-rednecked 6 speed

theruleslawyer Reader
8/9/24 12:20 p.m.

In reply to ClearWaterMS :

I just printed out the application earlier today! No more smog tests.