1971 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,962 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (131 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 289 kg more than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider. (190 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1962 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2710 mm |
