2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1977 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 2008 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, 1977 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1977 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Top Speed | 170 km/hour | 160 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
