2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2009 Toyota Prius 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 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 26 kg more than 2009 Toyota Prius. 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, 2009 Toyota Prius, 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Prius |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1496 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
