2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mustang 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.
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, 2011 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Mazda | Ford |
| Model | RX-8 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1627 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
