1978 Mazda 626 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1997 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 3,785 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (79 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 335 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (142 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Mazda 626 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 626 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 3785 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
