1966 Ford Falcon vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1966 Ford Falcon. (106 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1966 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 306 kg more than 1966 Ford Falcon. 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Ford Falcon. (188 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Falcon | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2782 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1119 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 61 L |
