1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Torino would be higher. At 4,096 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1972 Ford Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Torino weights approximately 224 kg more than 2005 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 Torino (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Torino 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 Torino | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Torino | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4096 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1609 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 60 L |
