2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. (118 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 345 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport (237 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1990 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 3135 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2800 mm |
