2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire (114 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 126 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.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (244 Nm) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire. (183 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1996 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2201 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2650 mm |
