1981 Ferrari 208 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 1,991 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 208 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 208. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 208. (170 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 208 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | 208 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1991 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2710 mm |
