1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 3,789 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville (200 HP) has 62 more horse power than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 535 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.
Because 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1997 Pontiac Bonneville (318 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 3789 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 318 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
