1961 Hudson Metropolitan 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 Hudson Metropolitan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Hudson Metropolitan 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 142 more horse power than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. (47 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 573 kg more than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. 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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan. (101 Nm @ 2100 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Hudson Metropolitan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Hudson Metropolitan | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Hudson | Mazda |
| Model | Metropolitan | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 819 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2710 mm |
