2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (170 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 390 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1982 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2950 mm |
