2006 Pontiac Vibe vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Pontiac Vibe. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Pontiac Vibe would be higher. At 1,803 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac Vibe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. (164 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 154 kg more than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac Vibe, 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Pontiac Vibe. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Pontiac Vibe.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac Vibe | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Pontiac | Mazda |
| Model | Vibe | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1803 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1257 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 64 L |
