2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1987 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 2,825 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1987 Pontiac Firebird. (133 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1987 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, 1987 Pontiac Firebird (230 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1987 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 | 1987 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2825 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 60 L |
