1980 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
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 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 3,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. (114 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 160 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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 Chevrolet Caprice (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Chevrolet Caprice will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3753 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
