Chevrolet Cavalier vs Mazda Miata
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2005 Mazda Miata
Overview
| Spec | Chevrolet CavalierSpecial Value | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Special Value | Cloth |
| Body style | Coupe | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | regular unleaded | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2005 | 2005 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Chevrolet CavalierSpecial Value | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $10,325 (best) | $22,098 |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Chevrolet CavalierSpecial Value | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG (best) | 23 MPG |
| City MPG | 23 MPG (best) | 20 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 33 MPG (best) | 26 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 14 gal (best) | 12.7 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Chevrolet CavalierSpecial Value | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 140 hp | 142 hp (best) |
| Torque | 150 lb-ft (best) | 125 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 2.2 L (best) | 1.8 L |
| Cylinders | I4 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Chevrolet CavalierSpecial Value | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 13.2 cu ft (best) | 5.1 cu ft |
| Towing capacity | 1,000 lbs (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,617 lbs | 2,447 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | — | 4 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 104.1 in (best) | 89.2 in |
| Length | 180.9 in (best) | 155.3 in |
| Width | 68.7 in (best) | 66.1 in |
| Height | 53 in (best) | 48.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Chevrolet CavalierSpecial Value | Mazda MiataCloth |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 4 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Chevrolet Cavalier | Mazda Miata |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Special Value $10,325 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Cloth $22,098 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Base $14,410 MSRP | LS $24,903 MSRP |
| 3 | Base $14,610 MSRP | Base $25,780 MSRP |
| 4 | LS $16,090 MSRP | Grand Touring $26,580 MSRP |
| 5 | LS $16,290 MSRP | — |
| 6 | LS Sport $17,510 MSRP | — |
| 7 | LS Sport $17,710 MSRP | — |
Chevrolet Cavalier vs Mazda Miata FAQ
- Which is better: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier vs 2005 Mazda Miata on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier starts lower at $10,325.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (10,325).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
- Which has better horsepower: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Mazda Miata leads on horsepower in this comparison (178).
- Which has better seats: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier leads on seats in this comparison (5).
- Which has better maxTowingLbs: 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier or 2005 Mazda Miata?
- The 2005 Chevrolet Cavalier leads on maxTowingLbs in this comparison (1,000).