1996 Lexus SC 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 Lexus SC. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Lexus SC would be higher. At 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lexus SC (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (229 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lexus SC should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lexus SC weights approximately 125 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 Lexus SC (365 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lexus SC | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | SC | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3969 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 242 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 66 L | 61 L |
