1980 Honda Civic 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 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Civic would be higher. At 1,335 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Civic | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 64 L |
