2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 7,462 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville (185 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (155 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Bonneville should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 319 kg more than 2001 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 Bonneville (484 Nm) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (171 Nm). This means 1972 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Pontiac Bonneville | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Bonneville |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 7462 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 171 Nm | 484 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1671 kg | 1990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 3210 mm |
