2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Rover 3.5
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Rover 3.5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Rover 3.5 would be higher. At 3,532 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Rover 3.5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1972 Rover 3.5. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Rover 3.5.
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, 1972 Rover 3.5 (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Rover 3.5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 1972 Rover 3.5 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Rover 3.5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Rover 3.5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | RX-8 | 3.5 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2820 mm |
