2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Tesla Roadster
To start off, 2008 Tesla Roadster is newer by 4 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. In terms of performance, 2008 Tesla Roadster (288 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Tesla Roadster 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 157 kg more than 2008 Tesla Roadster.
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, 2008 Tesla Roadster (370 Nm) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm). This means 2008 Tesla Roadster 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 | 2008 Tesla Roadster | |
| Make | Mazda | Tesla |
| Model | RX-8 | Roadster |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | electric |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Electric |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Single Speed |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3947 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1128 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2352 mm |
