2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass weights approximately 218 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass (381 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | RX-8 | Cutlass |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2960 mm |
