2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer.
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 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 10 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 13.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 11.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
