1959 Abarth 500 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP) has 218 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 893 kg more than 1959 Abarth 500. 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Abarth 500 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Abarth | Mazda |
Model | 500 | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1959 | 2002 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 479 cc | 2616 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 20 HP | 238 HP |
Torque | 32 Nm | 211 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 1338 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |