1981 Ford Granada vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Granada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Granada would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Ford Granada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 116 more horse power than 1981 Ford Granada. (112 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Granada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 153 kg more than 1981 Ford Granada. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Granada. (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Granada.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Granada | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Granada | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 60.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2710 mm |
