2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 300 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 61 L |
