1998 Ford Cougar vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Cougar would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1998 Ford Cougar. (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Cougar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Cougar weights approximately 294 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Ford Cougar, 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, 1998 Ford Cougar (221 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Cougar | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Cougar | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2544 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1419 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
