2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,456 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (301 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 193 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 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, 1972 Pontiac Firebird (563 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 423 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1972 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1972 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
Year Released | 2006 | 1972 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 7456 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 301 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 563 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4870 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |