1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,598 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (185 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 6. (144 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 243 kg more than 2004 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6, 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (434 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 6. (181 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | 6 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 144 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 110.5 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.9:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 182 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |
