2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 207 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.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 97 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3349 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 188 Nm | 285 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1207 kg | 1414 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2730 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 54 L |