2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Nissan Cherry
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1978 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Nissan Cherry, 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Cherry. (102 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Cherry. 1978 Nissan Cherry has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Cherry will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Nissan Cherry | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Cherry |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
