2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 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 150 kg more than 2004 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 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2616 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |