2009 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2009 Ford Mustang. (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 158 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang. 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, 2009 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mustang | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Mustang | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1171 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.2 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
