2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1979 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Triumph TR7 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Triumph TR7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1979 Triumph TR7. (104 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1979 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 377 kg more than 1979 Triumph TR7. 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 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Triumph TR7. (161 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Triumph TR7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1979 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | RX-8 | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
