Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 24 advantages that the Mazda MX-5 Miata has over the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible.

Transmission

The Optional adaptive automatic transmission in the MX-5 Miata is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.

Corrosion Warranty

Mazda's corrosion warranty provides better protection than Chevrolet's. This warranty protects against rust-through (sheetmetal perforation).

			Corrosion Warranty Miles
	MX-5 Miata		Unlimited
	Camaro Convertible		100000

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the MX-5 Miata is less than the base MSRP on the Camaro Convertible as shown in the table below.

			Base Price MSRP
	MX-5 Miata Sport		23,470
	MX-5 Miata Touring		25,830
	MX-5 Miata Grand Touring		27,100
	MX-5 Miata Touring Power Retractable Hardtop		27,540
	MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop		28,950
	Camaro Convertible 1LT		30,180
	Camaro Convertible 2LT		34,180
	Camaro Convertible 1SS		37,980
	Camaro Convertible 2SS		40,680

Airbags

Both the MX-5 Miata and the Camaro Convertible feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

The MX-5 Miata is equipped with Standard RWD.

The MX-5 Miata has a Standard safety rollbar, designed to protect vehicle occupants during an accident involving a roll over. A safety rollbar is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata has a Standard remote fuel door release which allows the driver to open the fuel door from inside the vehicle. Because the fuel door cannont be opened from the outside, access to the vehicle's fuel tank is restricted, preventing tampering with the fuel supply. A remote fuel door is Not Available on the Camaro Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata (Grand Touring, Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop, Touring, Touring Power Retractable Hardtop) features a Standard panic button on its remote control, which when depressed activates the vehicle's alarm system (horn, lights, etc.), allowing the driver to notify anyone nearby that they are in danger or need assistance. A panic button is Not Available on the Camaro Convertible.

Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Optional equipment on the MX-5 Miata but are Not Available on the Camaro Convertible.

A Standard locking fuel door/cap on the MX-5 Miata is a safety feature that prevents unwanted access to the vehicle's fuel tank. This safety feature is Not Available on the Camaro Convertible.

Interior Space

The MX-5 Miata has more interior space than the Camaro Convertible in the following areas:

			Leg Room, Front
	MX-5 Miata		43.1 in.
	Camaro Convertible		42.4 in.

Cargo Space

The MX-5 Miata features Standard locking interior storage compartments, useful for carrying important information and/or protecting small valuables stored inside the vehicle. Locking interior storage is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.

Chassis

The MX-5 Miata is shorter than the Camaro Convertible , 157.3 in. vs. 190.4 in., so it will be easier to handle and maneuver.

The MX-5 Miata is narrower than the Camaro Convertible, 67.7 in. vs. 75.5 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The lower profile tires (aspect ratio) that come standard on the MX-5 Miata may provide better handling capability than those on the Camaro Convertible. Details below:

			Tire Aspect Ratio
	MX-5 Miata Grand Touring		45
	MX-5 Miata Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop		45
	MX-5 Miata Sport		50
	MX-5 Miata Touring		45
	MX-5 Miata Touring Power Retractable Hardtop		45
	Camaro Convertible 1LT		55
	Camaro Convertible 2LT		50

Additional Features

A heated front seat is Standard in the MX-5 Miata (Grand Touring, Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop), providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible (1LT, 1SS).

Leather seating is a much sought after feature for new car buyers, offering exceptional luxury and style, superior comfort, ease of maintenance and improved resale value. Leather seating is Standard in the MX-5 Miata (Grand Touring, Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop) but is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible (1LT, 1SS).

The MX-5 Miata features a Optional navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata (Grand Touring, Grand Touring Power Retractable Hardtop) has a Standard automatic climate control system. The system controls the temperature, fan speed, and vents to maintain a consistent environment within the passenger compartment. Automatic climate control is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata features Optional genuine wood interior trim, made from real wood veneers. Real wood interior trim is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.

The MX-5 Miata offers Standard tinted glass which absorbs and deflects some of the sun's radiation helping to reduce interior heat and the fading of interior materials. Tinted glass is Not Available in the Camaro Convertible.