1960 Abarth 600 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 49 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Abarth 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Abarth 600 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 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1960 Abarth 600. (43 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1960 Abarth 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1960 Abarth 600. 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Abarth 600. (57 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Abarth 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1960 Abarth 600 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 600 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1960 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 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 | 595 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 64 L |
