2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, both 2009 Mazda RX-8 and 2009 Nissan Altima were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,487 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (158 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 204 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (220 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima 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 | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Altima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2487 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 76 L |
