2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Toyota MR2
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 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2004 Toyota MR2. (142 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2004 Toyota MR2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Toyota MR2. (170 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Toyota MR2. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2004 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 2004 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1793 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 48 L |
