1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,792 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (158 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 560 kg more than 1999 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, 1971 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 5792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
