1953 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 56 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1953 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 177 kg more than 1953 Austin-Healey 100. 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, 1953 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1953 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1953 Austin-Healey 100 has manual transmission. 1953 Austin-Healey 100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin-Healey 100 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 100 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1953 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 948 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
