1984 Lotus Etna vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Lotus Etna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Lotus Etna would be higher. At 3,946 cc (8 cylinders), 1984 Lotus Etna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Etna (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Etna should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1984 Lotus Etna (408 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Etna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Etna | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lotus | Mazda |
| Model | Etna | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3946 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 331 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 408 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 290 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
