2008 Nissan 350Z vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 3,498 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan 350Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 285 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, 2008 Nissan 350Z (364 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (211 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Soarer. 1981 Toyota Soarer has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Nissan | Toyota |
| Model | 350Z | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 364 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 1255 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2670 mm |
