2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1984 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,827 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1984 Pontiac Firebird (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1984 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 | 1984 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
