2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1989 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Suzuki Samurai. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Suzuki Samurai would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 492 kg more than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Samurai will offer significantly more control. 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Suzuki Samurai. (103 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Suzuki Samurai.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1989 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Mazda | Suzuki |
| Model | RX-8 | Samurai |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 103 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2490 mm |
