2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 168 kg more 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, 1978 Pontiac Firebird (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5700 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
