1970 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3
To start off, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 (263 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. (173 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 112 kg more than 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3.
Because 1970 Pontiac Firebird 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 1970 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3, 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, 1970 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3. (379 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mazda MazdaSpeed3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | MazdaSpeed3 |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6547 cc | 2300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 421 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1596 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4511 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 60 L |
