Mazda Miata vs Pontiac Firebird
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2002 Pontiac Firebird
Overview
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Pontiac FirebirdBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Cloth | Base |
| Body style | Convertible | Hatchback |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2005 | 2002 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Pontiac FirebirdBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $22,098 | $20,050 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Pontiac FirebirdBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 23 MPG (best) | 21 MPG |
| City MPG | 20 MPG (best) | 17 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 26 MPG | 29 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 12.7 gal | 16.8 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Pontiac FirebirdBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 142 hp | 200 hp (best) |
| Torque | 125 lb-ft | 225 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.8 L | 3.8 L (best) |
| Cylinders | I4 | V6 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Pontiac FirebirdBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 4 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 3 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 5.1 cu ft (best) | — |
| Curb weight | 2,447 lbs (best) | 3,327 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 4 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 89.2 in | 101.1 in (best) |
| Length | 155.3 in | 193.4 in (best) |
| Width | 66.1 in | 74.5 in (best) |
| Height | 48.3 in | 52 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda MiataCloth | Pontiac FirebirdBase |
|---|---|---|
| Frontal crash (driver) | 4 / 5 ★ | 4 / 5 ★ |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | 5 / 5 ★ | 5 / 5 ★ |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 1 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda Miata | Pontiac Firebird |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cloth $22,098 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $20,050 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | LS $24,903 MSRP | Base $26,965 MSRP |
| 3 | Base $25,780 MSRP | Formula $25,995 MSRP |
| 4 | Grand Touring $26,580 MSRP | Trans Am $28,025 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Trans Am $32,095 MSRP |
Mazda Miata vs Pontiac Firebird FAQ
- Which is better: 2005 Mazda Miata or 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2005 Mazda Miata vs 2002 Pontiac Firebird on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2005 Mazda Miata or 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2002 Pontiac Firebird starts lower at $20,050.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2005 Mazda Miata or 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
- The 2002 Pontiac Firebird leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (20,050).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2005 Mazda Miata or 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
- The 2005 Mazda Miata leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (23).
- Which has better horsepower: 2005 Mazda Miata or 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
- The 2002 Pontiac Firebird leads on horsepower in this comparison (310).
- Which has better seats: 2005 Mazda Miata or 2002 Pontiac Firebird?
- The 2002 Pontiac Firebird leads on seats in this comparison (4).