2006 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2006 Ford Mustang and 2006 Mazda RX-8 were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,604 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1428 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4604 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
