2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Peugeot 505
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Peugeot 505. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Peugeot 505 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Peugeot 505 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1979 Peugeot 505. (95 HP @ 4150 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Peugeot 505. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 45 kg more than 1979 Peugeot 505. 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 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Peugeot 505. (206 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Peugeot 505. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1979 Peugeot 505 has manual transmission. 1979 Peugeot 505 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 | 1979 Peugeot 505 | |
| Make | Mazda | Peugeot |
| Model | RX-8 | 505 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4150 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2750 mm |
