2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 351 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 60 L |
