2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 70 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Pontiac Sunfire 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 | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 76 L |
