1973 Fiat 132 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 1,755 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Fiat 132 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 132. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 132. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 332 kg more than 1973 Fiat 132. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 132. (144 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 132.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 132 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 132 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1755 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
