2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, both 2009 Mazda RX-8 and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 330 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
