1956 Ford Zodiac vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 53 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1956 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 228 kg more than 1956 Ford Zodiac. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Zodiac | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1956 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
