1974 Fiat 124 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,311 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP) has 138 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 124. (59 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1974 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 124. (87 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 124. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 124 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 124 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 124 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 38 L | 60 L |
