2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 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 5,969 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (148 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 685 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 (542 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Pontiac GTO | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
Model | GTO | 3 |
Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5969 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 400 HP | 148 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 542 Nm | 183 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1985 kg | 1300 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4590 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 | 7.1 L/100km |
Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |