2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Mazda Tribute

To start off, 2006 Mazda Tribute is newer by 2 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mazda Tribute is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda Tribute (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda Tribute should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 263 kg more than 2006 Mazda Tribute.

Because 2006 Mazda Tribute 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, 2006 Mazda Tribute 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, 2006 Mazda Tribute (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda Tribute will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2006 Mazda Tribute has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda Tribute will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2004 Mazda RX-8 2006 Mazda Tribute
Make Mazda Mazda
Model RX-8 Tribute
Year Released 2004 2006
Body Type Coupe SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2616 cc 2966 cc
Engine Type dual-disk rotary in-line
Horse Power 189 HP 200 HP
Engine RPM 7000 RPM 6000 RPM
Torque 220 Nm 262 Nm
Torque RPM 5000 RPM 4850 RPM
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 1392 kg 1129 kg
Vehicle Length 4440 mm 4440 mm
Vehicle Width 1780 mm 1840 mm
Vehicle Height 1350 mm 1780 mm
Wheelbase Size 2710 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 61 L 62 L