2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (64 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. 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 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (126 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
