2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 105 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2002 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 2469 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2630 mm |