2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2009 Volvo V50
To start off, both 2009 Mazda RX-8 and 2009 Volvo V50 were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo V50 (227 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo V50 weights approximately 473 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 Volvo V50, 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 Volvo V50 (321 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2009 Volvo V50 has manual transmission. 2009 Volvo V50 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2009 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volvo |
| Model | RX-8 | V50 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1598 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1460 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 62 L |
