1973 Fiat 850 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 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 850 would be higher. At 1,299 cc, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 850. (51 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 850.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 850. (69 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Fiat 850 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 850 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 153 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2710 mm |
