1966 Ford 12 M vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Ford 12 M is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1966 Ford 12 M. (53 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 254 kg more than 1966 Ford 12 M. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford 12 M. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford 12 M | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 12 M | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
