1961 Abarth 1600 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1961 Abarth 1600. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Abarth 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 462 kg more than 1961 Abarth 1600. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Abarth 1600. (138 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Abarth 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Abarth 1600 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 1600 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1586 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
