2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mariner is newer by 2 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (177 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 239 kg more than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2010 Mercury Mariner, 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mercury Mariner. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mercury Mariner.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2010 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1664 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1806 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1727 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2619 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 57 L |
