1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 573 kg more than 1993 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 330 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (131 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 5663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |
