2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (89 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1966 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1065 kg | 820 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
