2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 513 kg more than 2004 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 Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (169 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1972 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 6598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1653 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4870 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
