2002 Dodge Stratus vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2002 Dodge Stratus and 2002 Mazda RX-8 were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,615 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (145 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Dodge Stratus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2002 Dodge Stratus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Stratus, 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Stratus. (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Stratus. 2002 Dodge Stratus has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Dodge Stratus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Stratus | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Stratus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 214 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
