1957 Berkeley Sports vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 52 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Berkeley Sports. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Berkeley Sports would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1957 Berkeley Sports. (15 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1957 Berkeley Sports. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 843 kg more than 1957 Berkeley Sports. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1957 Berkeley Sports, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Berkeley Sports. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Berkeley Sports. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1957 Berkeley Sports has manual transmission. 1957 Berkeley Sports 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:
| 1957 Berkeley Sports | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Mazda |
| Model | Sports | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 322 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 15 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 282 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15 L | 61 L |
