2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 1,364 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (95 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 260 kg more than 2002 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2002 Toyota Corolla, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1364 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 71.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
