2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Pontiac Sunfire would be higher. At 2,475 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. (148 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1995 Pontiac Sunfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 132 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1995 Pontiac Sunfire (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire 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. 1995 Pontiac Sunfire will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1995 Pontiac Sunfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Pontiac |
| Model | RX-8 | Sunfire |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2475 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 174 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1554 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
