1973 Mazda RX-3 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mazda RX-3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mazda RX-3 would be higher. At 5,698 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (310 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (100 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1973 Mazda RX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 689 kg more than 1973 Mazda RX-3. 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (461 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Mazda RX-3. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Mazda RX-3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mazda RX-3 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1964 cc | 5698 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 461 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 852 kg | 1541 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2570 mm |
