1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Holden Sunbird
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Holden Sunbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Holden Sunbird would be higher. At 5,044 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Holden Sunbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Holden Sunbird (247 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Holden Sunbird should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Holden Sunbird weights approximately 250 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, 1976 Holden Sunbird (436 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 273 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Holden Sunbird 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 | 1976 Holden Sunbird | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sunbird |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 5044 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 436 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1280 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2590 mm |
