2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,562 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (240 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 51 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
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, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (401 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 242 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Mazda | Plymouth |
| Model | RX-8 | Valiant |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 5562 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
