2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 Kia Soul
To start off, 2010 Kia Soul is newer by 3 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Soul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2010 Kia Soul. (142 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 150 kg more than 2010 Kia Soul. 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, 2010 Kia Soul, 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Kia Soul. (186 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2010 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Mazda | Kia |
| Model | RX-8 | Soul |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| 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 | 1420 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4105 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |
