2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1960 Sunbeam Alpine
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 43 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Sunbeam Alpine would be higher. At 1,591 cc (4 cylinders), 1960 Sunbeam Alpine is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 149 more horse power than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine. (127 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Sunbeam Alpine.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 1960 Sunbeam Alpine | |
| Make | Mazda | Sunbeam |
| Model | RX-8 | Alpine |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1591 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2190 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
