1979 Buick Electra vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Buick Electra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Buick Electra would be higher. At 5,736 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (104 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Buick Electra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Buick Electra weights approximately 397 kg more than 2006 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, 1979 Buick Electra (274 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1979 Buick Electra has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Buick Electra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 274 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
