2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Nissan Micra
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 Nissan Micra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Nissan Micra would be higher. At 1,386 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Nissan Micra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 2005 Nissan Micra. (88 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Nissan Micra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 373 kg more than 2005 Nissan Micra. 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, 2005 Nissan Micra, 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 92 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Nissan Micra. (128 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Nissan Micra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Nissan Micra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Micra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1386 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 88 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 128 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 11.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1047 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 46 L |
