1981 Nissan Laurel 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 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,393 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (111 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (179 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Laurel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Laurel | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Nissan | Mazda |
| Model | Laurel | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 111 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2703 mm |
