2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 46 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,306 cc, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 189 more horse power than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (87 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1961 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1285 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 87 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 40 L |
