2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (56 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 561 kg more than 1974 Toyota Corolla. 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 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Toyota Corolla. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
