2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Mini Cooper
To start off, 2009 Mini Cooper is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2009 Mini Cooper. (172 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 210 kg more than 2009 Mini Cooper. 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, 2009 Mini Cooper, 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 Mini Cooper (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Mini Cooper | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-8 | Cooper |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
