2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2012 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 5 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), 2012 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. (136 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 154 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, 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Transit Connect. 2012 Ford Transit Connect has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Transit Connect will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Panel Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1574 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 58 L |
