1969 BMW 1600 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 BMW 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 BMW 1600 would be higher. At 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 BMW 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1969 BMW 1600. (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1969 BMW 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 333 kg more than 1969 BMW 1600. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 BMW 1600. (160 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 BMW 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 BMW 1600 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 1600 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 60 L |
