1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 39 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 15 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 143 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | 6 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6598 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
