1968 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,558 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 628 kg more than 1968 Ford Escort. 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (144 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 762 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 64 L |
