2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1985 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,013 cc (8 cylinders), 1985 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. (190 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 49 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1985 Pontiac Firebird (325 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1985 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 5013 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1474 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
