2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Nissan Serena
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Serena weights approximately 56 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Nissan Serena | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Serena |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Van |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2740 mm |
