2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1990 Saab 9000
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1990 Saab 9000. (135 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1990 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 117 kg more than 1990 Saab 9000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Saab 9000, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1990 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | Mazda | Saab |
| Model | RX-8 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 192 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 54 L |
