2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1974 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 1,759 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Vauxhall Firenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. (77 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 485 kg more than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. 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 (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Vauxhall Firenza.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1974 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | RX-8 | Firenza |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1759 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
