2006 Honda Accord vs. 2004 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Honda Accord is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2006 Honda Accord. (166 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 317 kg more than 2006 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Honda Accord, 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, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Honda Accord. (217 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Honda Accord | 2004 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2360 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1075 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
