1973 De Tomaso Pantera 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 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (229 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1973 De Tomaso Pantera.
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 De Tomaso Pantera (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 366 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1973 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 De Tomaso Pantera | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Mazda |
| Model | Pantera | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 255 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2710 mm |
