1986 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. (162 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 47 kg more than 1986 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 1986 Ford Thunderbird (241 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Thunderbird | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 61 L |
