2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 1,497 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2007 Toyota Prius. (76 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2007 Toyota Prius. 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, 2007 Toyota Prius, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Toyota Prius. (111 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Toyota Prius. 2007 Toyota Prius 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. 2007 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Prius |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1497 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 13.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 4.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
