2004 Ford Taurus vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 57 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, 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 Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.7 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
