2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Volvo S40
To start off, both 2004 Mazda RX-8 and 2004 Volvo S40 were released in the same year (2004). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2004 Volvo S40. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volvo S40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volvo S40 weights approximately 7 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volvo S40, 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, both vehicles can yield 220 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2004 Volvo S40 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | S40 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2524 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1399 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 68 L |
