2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 445 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Firebird |
Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
Body Type | Convertible | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3785 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 198 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.6 mm | 96.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 1540 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4920 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1900 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2570 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 76 L |