2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2007 Nissan Altima is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda RX-8 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 80 more horse power than 2007 Nissan Altima. (158 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Nissan Altima.
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, 2007 Nissan Altima, 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, 2007 Nissan Altima (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 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 | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
