2009 Honda Insight vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Honda Insight is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,339 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 2009 Honda Insight. (87 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Insight weights approximately 96 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Honda Insight, 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Insight. (121 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Insight | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Insight | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1339 cc | 1306 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 85 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1276 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 60 L |
