2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 193 kg more than 1990 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1990 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1990 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1990 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
Model | RX-8 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 2006 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 69 L |