1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (325 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (461 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 325 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 61 L |
