1973 Fiat 124 vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,311 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP) has 173 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 199 kg more than 1973 Fiat 124. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 124 | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 232 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
