1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 152 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 64 L |
