2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1981 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 399 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord. 1981 Honda Accord has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Mazda | Honda |
| Model | RX-8 | Accord |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2390 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
