2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 267 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 12.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
