2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 547 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Ford Explorer | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
Make | Ford | Mazda |
Model | Explorer | RX-8 |
Year Released | 2002 | 2004 |
Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2616 cc |
Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
Horse Power | 210 HP | 189 HP |
Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 335 Nm | 220 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1392 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4440 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2710 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 61 L |