1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 29 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 1,300 cc, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 173 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 691 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 2010 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 2010 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 2010 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 720 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 64 L |
