2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Renault Laguna
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Renault Laguna. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Renault Laguna would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Renault Laguna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2004 Renault Laguna. (111 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Renault Laguna. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2004 Renault Laguna. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Renault Laguna, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Renault Laguna. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Renault Laguna. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2004 Renault Laguna has manual transmission. 2004 Renault Laguna will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2004 Renault Laguna | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | RX-8 | Laguna |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 38 L |
