1972 Fiat 124 vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1972 Fiat 124. (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 394 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124. 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Fiat 124. (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1756 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 229 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 | 996 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
