2008 Ford Mustang vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Ford Mustang is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 4,006 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 343 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang.
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 Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4006 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
