2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1986 Opel Rekord
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1986 Opel Rekord. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1986 Opel Rekord. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Opel Rekord. (146 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1986 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Rekord |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 229 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 159 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
