2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Nissan Laurel
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 Nissan Laurel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Laurel would be higher. At 2,753 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Laurel is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Laurel. (123 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Laurel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1981 Nissan Laurel. 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, 1981 Nissan Laurel (222 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Nissan Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1981 Nissan Laurel has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Nissan Laurel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Nissan Laurel | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Laurel |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2753 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |
