2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 2,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 292 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
