2005 Honda Insight vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Honda Insight would be higher. At 1,300 cc, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 165 more horse power than 2005 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 550 kg more than 2005 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Insight, 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Insight | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Insight | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2700 mm |
