2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 2,366 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Celica. (96 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Celica.
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, 1980 Toyota Celica (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1980 Toyota Celica will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1980 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1980 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Celica |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2366 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
