2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1966 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 6,375 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Pontiac GTO (366 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 302 kg more than 2008 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, 1966 Pontiac GTO (575 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 387 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1966 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1966 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | GTO |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 6375 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 366 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 575 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 103.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 95.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 193 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1098 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2930 mm |
