2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (141 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 167 kg more than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. 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, 2005 Pontiac Sunfire, 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Pontiac Sunfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1261 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
