1989 Ford RS 200 vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford RS 200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford RS 200 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford RS 200 (247 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford RS 200 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1989 Ford RS 200.
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, 1989 Ford RS 200 (292 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Ford RS 200 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford RS 200 | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | RS 200 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1804 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1182 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 116 L | 61 L |
