1961 Berkeley Twosome vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Berkeley Twosome. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Berkeley Twosome would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. (49 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 1074 kg more than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Berkeley Twosome, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Berkeley Twosome. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Berkeley Twosome.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Berkeley Twosome | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Berkeley | Mazda |
| Model | Twosome | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 318 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1780 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 61 L |
