2004 Ford Galaxy vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Galaxy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Galaxy would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Galaxy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2004 Ford Galaxy. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Galaxy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Galaxy weights approximately 261 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Galaxy, 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, 2004 Ford Galaxy (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Galaxy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Galaxy | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Galaxy | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1683 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
