1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 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 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 630 kg more than 1995 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 292 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
