2002 Pontiac Montana vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Montana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Montana would be higher. At 3,390 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Montana is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Montana (185 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Montana should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Montana weights approximately 635 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2002 Pontiac Montana (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Montana will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Pontiac Montana | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Montana | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3390 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1085 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1720 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
