1979 Buick Electra vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 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 4,942 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Buick Electra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1979 Buick Electra. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 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 314 kg more than 2011 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 (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1979 Buick Electra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Buick Electra | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Electra | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5650 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2703 mm |
