1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,306 cc, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (66 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 587 kg more than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (91 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Alfasud | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1185 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 66 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 161 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 838 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
