1981 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,273 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1981 Ford Falcon. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Falcon.
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 Ford Falcon (228 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Falcon | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
