2011 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 275 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1976 Ford Taunus has automatic transmission and 2011 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Taunus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda RX-8 | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1300 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1341 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2703 mm | 2590 mm |
