2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Vauxhall Chevette
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 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 573 kg more than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. 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 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Vauxhall Chevette.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
| Model | RX-8 | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
