1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix (247 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 835 kg more than 1997 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, 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix (462 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 333 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1972 |
| 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 |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 462 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3030 mm |
