1997 Ford Falcon vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (238 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 336 kg more than 2002 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 Ford Falcon (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Falcon | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 515 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1674 kg | 1338 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |
