1972 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mazda CX-7
To start off, 2012 Mazda CX-7 is newer by 40 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 24 more horse power than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (161 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda CX-7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 67 kg more than 2012 Mazda CX-7. 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, 2012 Mazda CX-7, 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 216 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda CX-7. (218 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda CX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mazda CX-7 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | CX-7 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| 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 | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1653 kg | 1586 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4681 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1646 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2751 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 62 L |
