1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 would be higher. At 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. (104 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 weights approximately 169 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. (206 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6. 2011 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 has manual transmission. 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Alfa 6 | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Alfa 6 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 64 L |
