2007 Mazda 6 vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 Mazda 6 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,353 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (146 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 6. (134 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda 6 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Because 1996 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 1996 Pontiac Firebird. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Mazda 6 (310 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 Nm @ 3150 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda 6 | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | 6 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3353 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 257 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3150 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1528 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2570 mm |
