1997 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,795 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Mustang (143 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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 Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1997 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1997 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3795 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 143 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
