2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Toyota Publica
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 1,311 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica. 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 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Toyota Publica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Publica |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 790 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1470 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2170 mm |
