1984 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1984 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2827 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 223 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
