2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Mazda 5
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda 5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda 5 would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2008 Mazda 5. (141 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda 5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda 5 weights approximately 190 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, 2008 Mazda 5, 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, 2008 Mazda 5 (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda 5 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 | 2008 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 5 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 16.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1610 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
