2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Ford Capri
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (97 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1974 Ford Capri. 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 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri. 1974 Ford Capri has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Ford Capri will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Capri |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 151 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1032 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2570 mm |
