2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Carina. (82 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Carina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 103 kg more than 1996 Toyota Carina. 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, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Carina. (174 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Carina.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Carina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 82 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 59 L |
