2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (158 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 158 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
