2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1991 Porsche 965
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1991 Porsche 965. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1991 Porsche 965 would be higher. At 3,299 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Porsche 965 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Porsche 965 (317 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Porsche 965 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Porsche 965 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1991 Porsche 965 (459 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1991 Porsche 965 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1991 Porsche 965 has manual transmission. 1991 Porsche 965 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 | 1991 Porsche 965 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | RX-8 | 965 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 3299 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 317 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 459 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2270 mm |
