2003 Mazda 6 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (190 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 6. (164 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 44 kg more than 2003 Mazda 6. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6, 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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 6. (208 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda 6 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 6 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 211 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
