1961 Austin A 40 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 660 kg more than 1961 Austin A 40. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Austin | Mazda |
| Model | A 40 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
