2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Toyota Avalon
To start off, 2011 Toyota Avalon 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Toyota Avalon (268 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 198 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.
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 Toyota Avalon, 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, 2011 Toyota Avalon (336 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Toyota Avalon 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 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Toyota Avalon | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Avalon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5019 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1486 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2819 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
