2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 6,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (285 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 168 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1979 Pontiac Firebird (421 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 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 | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 6547 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 285 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 421 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 104.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 95.3 mm |
| 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 |
