1989 TVR 400 vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 TVR 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 TVR 400 would be higher. At 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 TVR 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR 400 (275 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (212 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR 400 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 261 kg more than 1989 TVR 400.
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, 1989 TVR 400 (366 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1989 TVR 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8. 2010 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1989 TVR 400 has manual transmission. 1989 TVR 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 TVR 400 | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | TVR | Mazda |
| Model | 400 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 275 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2700 mm |
