2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1980 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,586 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1980 Toyota Carina. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1980 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 470 kg more than 1980 Toyota Carina. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Toyota Carina. (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 1980 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1586 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 7.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
