2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Nissan Frontier
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 Nissan Frontier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Frontier would be higher. At 2,393 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Frontier. (141 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 42 kg more than 2005 Nissan Frontier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Nissan Frontier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Nissan Frontier will offer significantly more control. 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 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Frontier. (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 96 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1386 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
