1979 Ferrari 400 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1979 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ferrari 400 (306 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 410 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 172 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm). This means 1979 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ferrari 400 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 400 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4823 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 392 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 78.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 61 L |
