1966 Abarth 595 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1966 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1966 Abarth 595.
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 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Abarth 595. 2008 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1966 Abarth 595 has manual transmission. 1966 Abarth 595 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Abarth 595 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 595 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 61 L |
