1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 625 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 166 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 61 L |
