2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville

To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Bonneville would be higher. At 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Bonneville is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. (148 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville weights approximately 222 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.

Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville, 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, 2001 Pontiac Bonneville (380 Nm) has 164 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Pontiac Bonneville will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Mazda RX-8 2001 Pontiac Bonneville
Make Mazda Pontiac
Model RX-8 Bonneville
Year Released 2009 2001
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1308 cc 3800 cc
Engine Type dual-disk rotary V
Horse Power 232 HP 148 HP
Engine RPM 8500 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 216 Nm 380 Nm
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 6 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1125 kg 1347 kg
Vehicle Length 4470 mm 5150 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1890 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2800 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 66 L