2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2011 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 249 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 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Nissan 370Z 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. 2011 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | 370Z |
| 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 | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1578 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
