2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 521 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1981 Pontiac Firebird 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. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1997 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1616 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 79 L |