2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2009 Mercury Mariner. (172 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 540 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2009 Mercury Mariner, 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (232 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
