2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 135 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2400 mm |
