2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1981 Porsche 944
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Porsche 944. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Porsche 944 would be higher. At 2,479 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Porsche 944 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1981 Porsche 944. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1981 Porsche 944. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Porsche 944 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
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, 1981 Porsche 944 (195 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Porsche 944 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1981 Porsche 944 | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | Roadster | 944 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
