2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Ford Mondeo
To start off, 2011 Ford Mondeo is newer by 7 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 51 more horse power than 2011 Ford Mondeo. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Mondeo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 184 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo, 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, 2011 Ford Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Ford Mondeo 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. 2011 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Ford Mondeo | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Mondeo |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
