2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 6,558 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (182 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 150 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, 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari (440 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari 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. 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1976 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 6558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 110.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1935 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2950 mm |
