1963 Bristol 408 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Bristol 408. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Bristol 408 would be higher. At 5,129 cc (8 cylinders), 1963 Bristol 408 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Bristol 408 (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Bristol 408 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Bristol 408 weights approximately 195 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1963 Bristol 408 (463 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 243 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1963 Bristol 408 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 1963 Bristol 408 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1963 Bristol 408 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Bristol 408 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Bristol | Mazda |
| Model | 408 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1963 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5129 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 463 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
