1949 Austin A 40 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 59 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 194 more horse power than 1949 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1949 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 359 kg more than 1949 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Austin A 40 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1949 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 60 L |
