2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1959 Subaru 360
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 Subaru 360. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Subaru 360 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 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1959 Subaru 360. (14 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Subaru 360. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 1043 kg more than 1959 Subaru 360. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Subaru 360. (30 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Subaru 360.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1959 Subaru 360 | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | 360 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 356 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 14 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 30 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1300 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
