2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Morgan 4
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1981 Morgan 4. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 603 kg more than 1981 Morgan 4. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Morgan 4. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Morgan 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Morgan 4 | |
| Make | Mazda | Morgan |
| Model | RX-8 | 4 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2450 mm |
