2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora would be higher. At 3,995 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora (251 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora weights approximately 298 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora, 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, 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora (353 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1996 Oldsmobile Aurora | |
| Make | Mazda | Oldsmobile |
| Model | RX-8 | Aurora |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 353 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2900 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
