1959 Austin-Healey 3000 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 would be higher. At 2,911 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. (124 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 279 kg more than 1959 Austin-Healey 3000. 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, 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 (237 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Mazda |
| Model | 3000 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2911 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1143 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
