2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
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 Toyota Soarer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Soarer would be higher. At 2,759 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (157 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 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 Toyota Soarer (235 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1981 Toyota Soarer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1981 Toyota Soarer 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 Toyota Soarer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2759 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
