2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2010 Nissan Qashqai
To start off, 2010 Nissan Qashqai is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Nissan Qashqai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2010 Nissan Qashqai. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2010 Nissan Qashqai. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Nissan Qashqai weights approximately 100 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, 2010 Nissan Qashqai, 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, 2010 Nissan Qashqai (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Nissan Qashqai 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 | 2010 Nissan Qashqai | |
| Make | Mazda | Nissan |
| Model | RX-8 | Qashqai |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 15.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 65 L |
