1986 Holden Commodore 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 Holden Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Holden Commodore would be higher. At 2,962 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Holden Commodore is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1986 Holden Commodore. (201 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Holden Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 94 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Holden Commodore (296 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1986 Holden Commodore will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Holden Commodore | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Holden | Mazda |
| Model | Commodore | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2962 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1235 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2710 mm |
