2004 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2004 Ford Mustang. (211 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Mustang weights approximately 95 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2004 Ford Mustang (310 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
