2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, both 2005 Mazda RX-8 and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata were released in the same year (2005). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (108 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 275 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
