2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1976 Volvo 66
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 66. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 66 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 133 more horse power than 1976 Volvo 66. (56 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volvo 66.
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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volvo 66. (94 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volvo 66. 1976 Volvo 66 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. 1976 Volvo 66 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1976 Volvo 66 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | 66 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 94 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1550 mm |
