2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari weights approximately 712 kg more than 2007 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, 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari (319 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 152 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Pontiac Grand Safari | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Safari |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1158 kg | 1870 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 |
