2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1955 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 51 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 1,311 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle. (89 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1955 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1955 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
