1973 Mazda RX-2 vs. 1980 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1980 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-2. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 625 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1980 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-2. (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-2.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda RX-2 | 1980 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-2 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2292 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 157 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2750 mm |
