1974 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (296 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (165 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 568 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1974 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1974 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7462 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 563 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 105.4 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 106.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 48 L |
