1972 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,569 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Alfa Romeo GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (125 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. 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 (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT. (156 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Alfa Romeo GT | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | GT | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1569 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 61 L |
