2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 40 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
