2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1968 Holden Monaro
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Holden Monaro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Holden Monaro would be higher. At 5,024 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Holden Monaro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1968 Holden Monaro. (181 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Holden Monaro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Holden Monaro weights approximately 335 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, 1968 Holden Monaro (407 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 191 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1968 Holden Monaro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1968 Holden Monaro has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1968 Holden Monaro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1968 Holden Monaro | |
| Make | Mazda | Holden |
| Model | RX-8 | Monaro |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5024 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2830 mm |
