1972 Ford GT 40 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford GT 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford GT 40 would be higher. At 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford GT 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford GT 40 (350 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford GT 40 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1972 Ford GT 40.
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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford GT 40. (85 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford GT 40. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford GT 40 has manual transmission. 1972 Ford GT 40 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford GT 40 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | GT 40 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 980 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 125 L | 60 L |
