2001 Pontiac Firebird vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 3,783 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 129 kg more than 2011 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Pontiac Firebird | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Firebird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3783 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 64 L |
