2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Mercury Montego
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mercury Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mercury Montego would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2004 Mercury Montego. (197 HP @ 5650 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mercury Montego.
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, 2004 Mercury Montego, 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, 2004 Mercury Montego (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2004 Mercury Montego 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. 2004 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2004 Mercury Montego | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Montego |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5650 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 272 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 72 L |
