1972 Volvo 164 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Volvo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Volvo 164 would be higher. At 2,978 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Volvo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1972 Volvo 164. (156 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Volvo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 30 kg more than 1972 Volvo 164. 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, 1972 Volvo 164 (241 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Volvo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Volvo 164 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Volvo | Mazda |
| Model | 164 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2978 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 156 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
