2006 Mazda 3 vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (176 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 286 kg more than 2006 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 Grand Am (278 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda 3 | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | 3 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 3350 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 105 HP | 176 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
Torque | 146 Nm | 278 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 92 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1406 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4740 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |