2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Pontiac 1000
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac 1000 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 462 kg more than 1981 Pontiac 1000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Pontiac 1000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | 1000 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
