1973 Buick Skylark vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Buick Skylark. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Buick Skylark would be higher. At 5,724 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Buick Skylark is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1973 Buick Skylark. (150 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Buick Skylark. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Buick Skylark weights approximately 480 kg more than 2009 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, 1973 Buick Skylark (366 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 Buick Skylark will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Buick Skylark | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Skylark | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5724 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1605 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 64 L |
