2006 Ford Fusion vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Fusion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Fusion would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fusion. (74 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fusion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2006 Ford Fusion. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion, 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fusion. (110 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fusion.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fusion | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15.5 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.5 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 61 L |
