1970 Pontiac GTO vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,548 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Pontiac GTO (365 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1970 Pontiac GTO (603 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac GTO | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | GTO | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6548 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 48 L |
