1981 Ford Mustang vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 2,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1981 Ford Mustang. (87 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Mustang. (161 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Ford Mustang | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2294 cc | 1306 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 87 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 161 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1425 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2710 mm |