1974 Ford Capri vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (71 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 418 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. 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 92 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (119 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Capri | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 119 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2710 mm |
