2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 157 kg more than 1989 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda RX-8 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 69 L |
