1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Chevrolet Vega.
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 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 1971 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 64 L |
