2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,669 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (302 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 451 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, 1997 Pontiac Firebird (453 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 5669 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 453 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
