2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
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 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica 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 74 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 227 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica. 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 1981 Toyota Celica has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Toyota Celica will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
