2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 511 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2002 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2002 Ford Explorer 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. 2002 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
Make | Mazda | Ford |
Model | RX-8 | Explorer |
Year Released | 2006 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 4009 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 210 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 335 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 100.4 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1939 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5240 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3200 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 14 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 85 L |