2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. (121 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 82 kg more than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. 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, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman, 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. (154 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-8 | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 121 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 154 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4107 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2596 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 47 L |
