1968 Ford 17 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 305 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | 17 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
