2008 Ford Fiesta 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 Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 15 kg more than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Fiesta, 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 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Fiesta. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Fiesta | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 232 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
