1979 Mazda Montrose vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Mazda Montrose is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose. 1979 Mazda Montrose has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mazda Montrose will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda Montrose | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | Montrose | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 61 L |
