1996 Ferrari F355 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ferrari F355. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ferrari F355 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ferrari F355 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ferrari F355 (376 HP @ 8250 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ferrari F355 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 1996 Ferrari F355.
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 Ferrari F355 (363 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Ferrari F355 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ferrari F355 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ferrari | Mazda |
| Model | F355 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| 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 | 1350 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 82 L | 61 L |
