1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 33 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 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 390 kg more than 2005 Mazda 3. 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, 2005 Mazda 3, 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 (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | 3 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
