1982 Ford Thunderbird 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 Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 4,186 cc (8 cylinders), 1982 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird.
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 Thunderbird (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1982 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Ford Thunderbird | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4186 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 264 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 60 L |
