2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 652 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 61 L |
