2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1999 Toyota Solara
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 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Solara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Solara (190 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Solara should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Toyota Solara weights approximately 40 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1999 Toyota Solara, 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 Toyota Solara (290 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Solara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1999 Toyota Solara | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Solara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | 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 | 1420 kg | 1460 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2680 mm |
