2001 Acura RL vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2001 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 250 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, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2001 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RL | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
