1977 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 288 kg more than 2013 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Pontiac Firebird | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2330 mm |
