2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 480 kg more than 2002 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 58 L |
