2008 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2008 Ford Mustang. (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1431 kg more than 2009 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 Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Mustang | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 61 L |
