1958 Berkeley Foursome vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Berkeley Foursome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Berkeley Foursome would be higher. At 1,307 cc, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. (30 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 1069 kg more than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1958 Berkeley Foursome, 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Berkeley Foursome. (49 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Berkeley Foursome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Berkeley Foursome | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Mazda |
| Model | Foursome | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 592 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 30 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 49 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3340 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2710 mm |
