1982 Ford Mustang vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Ford Mustang (225 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Ford Mustang weights approximately 63 kg more than 2007 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, 1982 Ford Mustang (407 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Mustang | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1483 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |
