2006 Ford Escape vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Ford Escape is newer by 1 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Escape (200 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 136 kg more than 2006 Ford Escape.
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, 2006 Ford Escape, 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, 2006 Ford Escape (262 Nm @ 4850 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Escape | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Escape | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2999 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4850 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 10.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |
