2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1978 Triumph Spitfire
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 Triumph Spitfire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph Spitfire would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Triumph Spitfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (56 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph Spitfire. (101 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph Spitfire.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1978 Triumph Spitfire | |
| Make | Mazda | Triumph |
| Model | RX-8 | Spitfire |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 33 L |
