1978 Ferrari 308 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Ferrari 308.
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, 1978 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ferrari 308 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 308 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2927 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 255 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7700 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2680 mm |
