2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1999 Mercury Villager
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Mercury Villager. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Mercury Villager would be higher. At 3,276 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Villager is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Mercury Villager. (169 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Mercury Villager. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Villager weights approximately 360 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
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, 1999 Mercury Villager, 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, 1999 Mercury Villager (271 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercury Villager will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 1999 Mercury Villager has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercury Villager will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1999 Mercury Villager | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Villager |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 3276 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 169 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
