2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1966 Mercury Comet
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 42 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 6,393 cc (8 cylinders), 1966 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Mercury Comet (267 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Mercury Comet weights approximately 353 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1966 Mercury Comet (546 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 326 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1966 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1966 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Comet |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 6393 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 267 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 546 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 103 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2950 mm |
