2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mercury Sable. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mercury Sable would be higher. At 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2005 Mercury Sable. (152 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mercury Sable. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 440 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, 2005 Mercury Sable, 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, 2005 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mercury Sable 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. 2005 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercury |
| Model | RX-8 | Sable |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 68 L |
