2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 24 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 220 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2620 mm |
