1968 Fiat 124 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,438 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 124. (70 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1968 Fiat 124. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 124. (112 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Fiat 124 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1438 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 112 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 64 L |
