2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1973 Volkswagen 1600
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen 1600 would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP) has 175 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen 1600. (110 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen 1600.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1973 Volkswagen 1600 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | 1600 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 69 mm |
| 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 | 1425 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
