1977 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 14 kg more than 1977 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 6. (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | 6 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1484 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2789 mm |
