1961 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 45 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 4,637 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. (227 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 28 kg more than 1961 Chevrolet Corvette. 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, 1961 Chevrolet Corvette (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1961 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Chevrolet Corvette | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4637 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
