2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer.
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 128 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
