1997 Chevrolet Venture vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Venture. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Venture would be higher. At 3,350 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Venture is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Venture. (183 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Venture. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Venture weights approximately 355 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2011 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Venture, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Venture (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Venture will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Venture | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Venture | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3350 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 183 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1745 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2703 mm |
