2001 Ford Mondeo vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Mondeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Mondeo would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 5 kg more than 2001 Ford Mondeo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Mondeo. (190 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Mondeo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Mondeo | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mondeo | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 61 L |
