2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Porsche 911
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1972 Porsche 911. (210 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 369 kg more than 1972 Porsche 911. 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, 1972 Porsche 911 (255 Nm @ 5100 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Porsche 911 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 | 1972 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | RX-8 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2687 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 255 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 230 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1056 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2280 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 85 L |
