1973 Chevrolet Vega vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Chevrolet Vega. 1973 Chevrolet Vega has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Chevrolet Vega will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Chevrolet Vega | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Vega | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 61 L |
