2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1959 Rover P4
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Rover P4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Rover P4 would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Rover P4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1959 Rover P4. (51 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1959 Rover P4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Rover P4 weights approximately 255 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Rover P4. (138 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Rover P4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1959 Rover P4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Rover |
| Model | RX-8 | P4 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 54 L |
