2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Toyota Prius
To start off, 2011 Toyota Prius is newer by 2 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2011 Toyota Prius. (134 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Toyota Prius weights approximately 255 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, 2011 Toyota Prius, 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 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Toyota Prius. (142 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Toyota Prius.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Toyota Prius | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Prius |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1745 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 45 L |
