1979 Citroen CX vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Citroen CX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Citroen CX would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Citroen CX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1979 Citroen CX. (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Citroen CX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 157 kg more than 1979 Citroen CX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Citroen CX, 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Citroen CX. (161 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Citroen CX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Citroen CX | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Citroen | Mazda |
| Model | CX | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 161 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
