2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2009 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,701 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (157 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 348 kg more than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Tacoma. (180 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Tacoma.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2701 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1074 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3240 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 12.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 79 L |
