1981 Honda Accord vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Honda Accord | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Honda | Mazda |
Model | Accord | RX-8 |
Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1300 cc |
Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 79 HP | 232 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 215 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1390 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4460 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1341 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2703 mm |