1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Mazda 3
To start off, 2010 Mazda 3 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2010 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 253 kg more than 2010 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 3, 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda 3. 1981 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
Model | Firebird | 3 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 200 HP | 167 HP |
Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
Torque | 459 Nm | 228 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1616 kg | 1363 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4506 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1755 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1471 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2639 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 60 L |