1969 Fiat 850 vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1969 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1969 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 690 kg more than 1969 Fiat 850. 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Fiat 850. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Fiat 850 | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 66 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 735 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 61 L |
