1989 Dodge Shadow vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 1989 Dodge Shadow is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,213 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Shadow is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Shadow (175 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Shadow weights approximately 108 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 1981 Toyota Soarer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Shadow, 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, 1989 Dodge Shadow (278 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Shadow will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Dodge Shadow | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Dodge | Toyota |
| Model | Shadow | Soarer |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2213 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 278 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1288 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2670 mm |
