2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
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 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| 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 | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
