2004 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,932 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (280 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Thunderbird should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Thunderbird weights approximately 362 kg more than 2011 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, 2004 Ford Thunderbird (369 Nm) has 154 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Thunderbird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Thunderbird | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Thunderbird | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3932 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 280 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 369 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1752 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 10.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 64 L |
