1998 Ford Falcon vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Ford Falcon (235 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Ford Falcon weights approximately 190 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, 1998 Ford Falcon (395 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 175 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 1998 Ford Falcon has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Falcon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Falcon | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Falcon | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 395 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2710 mm |
