2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 189 kg more than 1977 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1837 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
