1981 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,837 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Holden Commodore. (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1981 Holden Commodore. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Holden Commodore. (192 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Holden Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Holden Commodore | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Holden | Mazda |
Model | Commodore | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2837 cc | 1308 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 102 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 192 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1420 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |