2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500
To start off, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is newer by 5 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 5,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (550 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 360 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 weights approximately 380 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.
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, 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 (691 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 471 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Ford Shelby GT 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Shelby GT 500 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 550 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 691 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
