1990 Pontiac Trans Am vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (235 HP) has 111 more horse power than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am 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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Am (447 Nm) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Trans Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Pontiac Trans Am | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Trans Am | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 124 HP |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2329 mm |
