2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1988 Ford Aerostar
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Aerostar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Aerostar would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1988 Ford Aerostar. (143 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Aerostar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 12 kg more than 1988 Ford Aerostar. 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, 1988 Ford Aerostar (224 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1988 Ford Aerostar | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Aerostar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3030 mm |
