2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 1983 Opel Rekord. (85 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 103 kg more than 1983 Opel Rekord. 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Opel Rekord. (193 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
