2009 Toyota Prius vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Toyota Prius. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Toyota Prius would be higher. At 1,496 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Prius is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2009 Toyota Prius. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Toyota Prius. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 60 kg more than 2009 Toyota Prius. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Toyota Prius. (82 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Toyota Prius. 2009 Toyota Prius has automatic transmission and 2010 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2010 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Toyota Prius will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Prius | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Toyota | Mazda |
| Model | Prius | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1496 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.2 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 4.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
