1985 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 525 kg more than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Alfa Romeo 33, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo 33.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo 33 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 33 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | boxer | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.2 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
