2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercury Mariner. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercury Mariner would be higher. At 2,262 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP) has 75 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 51 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, 2005 Mercury Mariner, 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) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2262 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 153 HP |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1479 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
