1968 Chevrolet Corvair vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Chevrolet Corvair would be higher. At 2,375 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Chevrolet Corvair is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 286 kg more than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair. (182 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Chevrolet Corvair.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Chevrolet Corvair | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvair | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2375 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 61 L |
