2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Pontiac Montana
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Montana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Montana would be higher. At 3,391 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 580 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.
Because 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Montana, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2001 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Pontiac Montana has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Montana will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Pontiac Montana | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Montana |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 3391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 205 km/hour | 201 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 5120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |
