1998 Honda Legend 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 Legend. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Legend would be higher. At 3,474 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Honda Legend is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Honda Legend. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Honda Legend. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Legend weights approximately 596 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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 Legend, 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 Honda Legend (297 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Legend will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 1998 Honda Legend has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda Legend will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda Legend | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Legend | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3474 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 297 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.1 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
