Mazda RX-8 vs Pontiac Solstice
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2009 Pontiac Solstice
Overview
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Pontiac SolsticeBase |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Sport | Base |
| Body style | Coupe | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2011 | 2009 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Pontiac SolsticeBase |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $26,795 | $24,275 (best) |
| Lowest listing price | — | $8,999 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $11,421 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $13,843 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Pontiac SolsticeBase |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 16 MPG | 19 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 23 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 16.9 gal (best) | 13 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Pontiac SolsticeBase |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 212 hp (best) | 173 hp |
| Torque | 159 lb-ft | 167 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 1.3 L | 2.4 L (best) |
| Cylinders | rotary 0 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Pontiac SolsticeBase |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats (best) | 2 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 7.6 cu ft (best) | 5.4 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,111 lbs | 2,860 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 4.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.4 in (best) | 95.1 in |
| Length | 175.6 in (best) | 157.2 in |
| Width | 69.7 in | 71.3 in (best) |
| Height | 52.8 in (best) | 50.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Mazda RX-8Sport | Pontiac SolsticeBase |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 3 | 3 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Mazda RX-8 | Pontiac Solstice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sport $26,795 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Base $24,275 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Sport $26,795 MSRP | Base $26,225 MSRP |
| 3 | Grand Touring $32,260 MSRP | GXP $29,485 MSRP |
| 4 | Grand Touring $32,960 MSRP | GXP $30,375 MSRP |
| 5 | R3 $32,290 MSRP | — |
Live inventory
Mazda RX-8 vs Pontiac Solstice FAQ
- Which is better: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2011 Mazda RX-8 vs 2009 Pontiac Solstice on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2009 Pontiac Solstice starts lower at $24,275. Live Pontiac Solstice listings start at $8,999.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- The 2009 Pontiac Solstice leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (24,275).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- The 2009 Pontiac Solstice leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (22).
- Which has better horsepower: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- The 2009 Pontiac Solstice leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).
- Which has better seats: 2011 Mazda RX-8 or 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- The 2011 Mazda RX-8 leads on seats in this comparison (4).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2011 Mazda RX-8 vs 2009 Pontiac Solstice?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Pontiac Solstice (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).