2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Ford Laser
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Ford Laser. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Ford Laser would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 2001 Ford Laser. (105 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Laser. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 313 kg more than 2001 Ford Laser. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2001 Ford Laser, 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 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Laser. (145 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Laser. 2001 Ford Laser has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Laser will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2001 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Laser |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 81.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2620 mm |
