2006 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (300 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 590 kg more than 2009 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 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 434 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
