2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2012 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 6 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Transit Connect.
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, 2012 Ford Transit Connect, 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Transit Connect.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 58 L |
