2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 233 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 300 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 2006 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | GTO | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
