1981 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Chevrolet Caprice weights approximately 595 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1981 Chevrolet Caprice (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Chevrolet Caprice will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Chevrolet Caprice | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Caprice | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
