1977 Ford Escort vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,311 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1977 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Escort.
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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Escort. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1977 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1977 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Escort | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 937 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
