2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1990 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (235 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 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, 1990 Pontiac Firebird (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 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 | 1990 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 209 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
