1998 Honda Accord vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1998 Honda Accord. (134 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 63 kg more than 1998 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Accord, 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda Accord. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Accord | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1365 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
