2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Toyota Solara
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 2,164 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2001 Toyota Solara. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Toyota Solara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Solara weights approximately 200 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Solara, 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Toyota Solara. (199 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Toyota Solara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2001 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 87.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
