1986 Ford Orion vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Orion would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1986 Ford Orion. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 528 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Orion. (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Orion | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Orion | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 137 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 894 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 61 L |
