1951 Ford Zephyr vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 55 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,262 cc (6 cylinders), 1951 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (57 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1951 Ford Zephyr. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 274 kg more than 1951 Ford Zephyr. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Ford Zephyr. (151 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Ford Zephyr.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Ford Zephyr | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zephyr | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1951 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2262 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1146 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
