2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1981 Toyota Soarer
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 28 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 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Soarer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Soarer. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Soarer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 170 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, both vehicles can yield 211 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1981 Toyota Soarer | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Soarer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1255 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 |
