1961 Fiat Cabriolet 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 Fiat Cabriolet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Fiat Cabriolet would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Fiat Cabriolet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 459 kg more than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Fiat Cabriolet.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Fiat Cabriolet | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Cabriolet | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 61 L |
