2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1972 Toyota Celica
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 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,589 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Celica. (106 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Toyota Celica weights approximately 21 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 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Celica. (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1972 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1589 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1146 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 50 L |
