1982 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,838 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. (106 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 271 kg more than 2001 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, 1982 Pontiac Firebird (196 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1982 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1982 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Pontiac Firebird | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2838 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1336 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
