2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1959 Steyr 500D
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Steyr 500D. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Steyr 500D would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1959 Steyr 500D. (19 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Steyr 500D.
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 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Steyr 500D. (32 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Steyr 500D. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1959 Steyr 500D has manual transmission. 1959 Steyr 500D will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1959 Steyr 500D | |
| Make | Mazda | Steyr |
| Model | RX-8 | 500D |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 488 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 19 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 32 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 2970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1330 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1850 mm |
