2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 625 kg more than 2009 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 Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 269 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1977 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1999 cc | 4942 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 190 Nm | 459 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 7.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1585 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2750 mm |