2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1989 Mazda 929
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mazda 929. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mazda 929 would be higher. At 1,969 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda 929 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1989 Mazda 929. (110 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Mazda 929. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1989 Mazda 929. 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda 929. (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda 929.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1989 Mazda 929 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 929 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1969 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 98 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
