2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 540 kg more than 2005 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 5010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2750 mm |
