2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Nissan Sentra
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 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Sentra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (141 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 48 kg more than 2008 Nissan Sentra. 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, 2008 Nissan Sentra, 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Nissan Sentra. (199 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Nissan Sentra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2008 Nissan Sentra | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Sentra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 199 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 55 L |
