1997 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,666 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (345 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 330 kg more than 2005 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, 1997 Chevrolet Corvette (475 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Corvette | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5666 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 345 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 475 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 277 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1065 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 61 L |
