1971 Abarth 595 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Abarth 595. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Abarth 595 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 205 more horse power than 1971 Abarth 595. (27 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Abarth 595. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1971 Abarth 595. 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 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Abarth 595. (45 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Abarth 595.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Abarth 595 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Abarth | Mazda |
| Model | 595 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 594 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 470 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 64 L |
