1979 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,307 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 550 kg more than 1979 Ford Escort. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escort | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2680 mm |
