2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 5,032 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (139 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 860 kg more than 2003 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari (346 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 222 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1989 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Safari |
Year Released | 2003 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5032 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 112 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 346 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1885 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 5450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 2020 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2950 mm |