2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Toyota Previa
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Toyota Previa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Toyota Previa would be higher. At 2,438 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota Previa is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Toyota Previa. (132 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Toyota Previa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota Previa weights approximately 192 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Toyota Previa, 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 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Toyota Previa. (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Toyota Previa.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 1997 Toyota Previa | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Previa |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2438 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 132 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 75 L |
