2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP) has 144 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 407 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 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 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1973 Volkswagen 1600 has manual transmission. 1973 Volkswagen 1600 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
