2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. (160 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser weights approximately 560 kg more than 2005 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, 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (380 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | RX-8 | Vista Cruiser |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 5736 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3080 mm |
