2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1988 Pontiac Fiero
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Fiero. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Fiero would be higher. At 2,826 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Fiero is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. (143 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 140 kg more than 1988 Pontiac Fiero. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, both vehicles can yield 220 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1988 Pontiac Fiero has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1988 Pontiac Fiero will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1988 Pontiac Fiero | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Fiero |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 2826 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2380 mm |
