1995 Mazda MX-3 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Mazda MX-3 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (125 HP @ 3200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1995 Mazda MX-3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 546 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1995 Mazda MX-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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-3. (134 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1979 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-3. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1995 Mazda MX-3 has manual transmission. 1995 Mazda MX-3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Mazda MX-3 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | MX-3 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1059 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 79 L |
