2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Porsche 911
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Porsche 911. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Porsche 911 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Porsche 911 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1980 Porsche 911. (172 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Porsche 911. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 3 kg more than 1980 Porsche 911. 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, 1980 Porsche 911 (256 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Porsche 911 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Porsche 911 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | RX-8 | 911 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 256 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 | 1122 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 80 L |
