2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1998 Toyota Paseo
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota Paseo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota Paseo would be higher. At 1,495 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota Paseo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1998 Toyota Paseo. (89 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota Paseo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 205 kg more than 1998 Toyota Paseo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Toyota Paseo, 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota Paseo. (130 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota Paseo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1998 Toyota Paseo | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Paseo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1495 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2390 mm |
