1985 Ford Fairlane vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Fairlane. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Fairlane would be higher. At 4,089 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1985 Ford Fairlane. (137 HP @ 3750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 292 kg more than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1985 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Fairlane | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fairlane | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4089 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
