2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Mazda 929
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1980 Mazda 929. (89 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 273 kg more than 1980 Mazda 929. 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 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mazda 929. (160 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 929 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
