2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1968 Volkswagen 1303
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen 1303. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen 1303 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 672 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen 1303. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen 1303.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1968 Volkswagen 1303 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | 1303 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1191 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
