2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 25 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am 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 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2008 | 1984 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1798 cc | 2469 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 124 HP | 89 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 167 Nm | 179 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 101.6 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 76.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1130 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2630 mm |