1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud would be higher. At 1,350 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (77 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 466 kg more than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud. (121 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Alfa Romeo Alfasud | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Alfasud | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1350 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
