1993 Ford Orion vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1993 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1993 Ford Orion would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1993 Ford Orion. (89 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1993 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 402 kg more than 1993 Ford Orion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Ford Orion, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Ford Orion. (130 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Ford Orion | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Orion | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
