2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Porsche Cayenne
To start off, 2012 Porsche Cayenne is newer by 10 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 4,806 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Cayenne is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (400 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (238 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Cayenne weights approximately 727 kg more than 2002 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Porsche Cayenne is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Cayenne will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Porsche Cayenne (500 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Cayenne will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8. 2012 Porsche Cayenne has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Porsche Cayenne will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Porsche Cayenne | |
| Make | Mazda | Porsche |
| Model | RX-8 | Cayenne |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 4806 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1338 kg | 2065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4846 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1939 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1705 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2896 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 100 L |
