2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix would be higher. At 2,835 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (129 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix weights approximately 24 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix, 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 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix. (217 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1988 Pontiac Grand Prix | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Grand Prix |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2835 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
