2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2005 Subaru Forester is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. 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 26 more horse power than 2005 Subaru Forester. (163 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Subaru Forester weights approximately 8 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2005 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2004 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Subaru Forester (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Forester |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 163 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
