2002 Ford Ka vs. 2002 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2002 Ford Ka 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 54 more horse power than 2002 Ford Ka. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 254 kg more than 2002 Ford Ka. 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 Ford Ka, 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 45 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Ka. (175 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Ka | 2002 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 2615 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 229 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 61 L |
