1973 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1973 Ford Escort. (96 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 514 kg more than 1973 Ford Escort. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Ford Escort. (148 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Ford Escort | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 177 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 914 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 61 L |
