2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Nissan Skyline
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 Skyline. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Skyline would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Nissan Skyline is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Skyline. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1981 Nissan Skyline. 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Skyline. (133 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Skyline.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Nissan Skyline | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Skyline |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2520 mm |
