1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2012 Mazda 5
To start off, 2012 Mazda 5 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 5. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 50 kg more than 2012 Mazda 5. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 5, 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 5. (191 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 5. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2012 Mazda 5 has manual transmission. 2012 Mazda 5 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 2012 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | 5 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 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 | 1535 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1615 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2751 mm |
