1961 Ford Zodiac 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 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac 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 113 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 201 kg more than 1961 Ford Zodiac. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Zodiac.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Zodiac | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Zodiac | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1191 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
