1981 Buick Estate vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,735 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Buick Estate weights approximately 490 kg more than 2002 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, 1981 Buick Estate (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8. 1981 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Buick Estate | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Buick | Mazda |
| Model | Estate | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 380 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
