1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 317 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Gran Torino | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5751 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 61 L |
