1996 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 13 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 5,737 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 200 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Corvette (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Corvette | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5737 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 61 L |
