2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (93 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 342 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (149 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
