2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Talbot 1510
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Talbot 1510. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Talbot 1510 would be higher. At 1,592 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Talbot 1510 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Talbot 1510. (87 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Talbot 1510. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1979 Talbot 1510. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Talbot 1510, 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Talbot 1510. (136 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Talbot 1510. 1979 Talbot 1510 has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Talbot 1510 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Talbot 1510 | |
| Make | Mazda | Talbot |
| Model | RX-8 | 1510 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1592 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 136 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
