1977 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1977 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 252 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1977 Chevrolet Corvette (346 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Chevrolet Corvette will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 346 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1677 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 61 L |
