2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1968 Triumph Vitesse
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 Triumph Vitesse. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Triumph Vitesse would be higher. At 1,594 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Triumph Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. (70 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Triumph Vitesse. (125 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Triumph Vitesse.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1968 Triumph Vitesse | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | RX-8 | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 66.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 53 L |
