2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (240 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 498 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2009 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, 2009 Mercury Mariner (302 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mercury Mariner 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. 2009 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
