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Ford Mustang vs Mazda RX-8

Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.

Vehicles

Ford logo

2026 Ford Mustang

Mazda logo

2011 Mazda RX-8

Overview

SpecFord MustangEcoBoostMazda RX-8Sport
Selected trimEcoBoostSport
Body styleCoupeCoupe
Drivetrainrear wheel driverear wheel drive
Fuel typepremium unleaded (recommended)premium unleaded (required)
Transmission10-speed shiftable automatic6-speed shiftable automatic
Engine typegasgas
Model year20262011

Pricing & market

SpecFord MustangEcoBoostMazda RX-8Sport
MSRP$32,320$26,795 (best)
Lowest listing price$6,980 (best)
Median listing price$35,489 (best)
Highest listing price$153,275 (best)
For sale now177 (best)0

Fuel economy & range

SpecFord MustangEcoBoostMazda RX-8Sport
Combined MPG26 MPG (best)19 MPG
City MPG22 MPG (best)16 MPG
Highway MPG33 MPG (best)23 MPG
Fuel tank16 gal16.9 gal (best)

Performance

SpecFord MustangEcoBoostMazda RX-8Sport
Horsepower315 hp (best)212 hp
Torque350 lb-ft (best)159 lb-ft
Engine size2.3 L (best)1.3 L
CylindersI4rotary 0

Size & capability

SpecFord MustangEcoBoostMazda RX-8Sport
Seating4 seats4 seats
Doors24 (best)
Cargo volume13.5 cu ft (best)7.6 cu ft
Curb weight3,588 lbs3,111 lbs (best)
Ground clearance4.7 in (best)
Wheelbase107 in (best)106.4 in
Length189.4 in (best)175.6 in
Width75.4 in (best)69.7 in
Height55 in (best)52.8 in

Safety & recalls

SpecFord MustangEcoBoostMazda RX-8Sport
NHTSA overall5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Frontal crash (passenger)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (driver)5 / 5 ★ (best)
Side crash (passenger)4 / 5 ★ (best)
Side pole5 / 5 ★ (best)
Rollover5 / 5 ★5 / 5 ★
Open recalls (YMM scope)33

Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.

Trim overview

All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.

TrimFord MustangMazda RX-8
1

EcoBoost

$32,320 MSRP(Currently comparing)

Sport

$26,795 MSRP(Currently comparing)

2

EcoBoost

$40,120 MSRP

Sport

$26,795 MSRP

3

EcoBoost Premium

$36,345 MSRP

Grand Touring

$32,260 MSRP

4

EcoBoost Premium

$41,845 MSRP

Grand Touring

$32,960 MSRP

5

GT

$46,560 MSRP

R3

$32,290 MSRP

6

GT Premium

$51,080 MSRP

7

GT Premium

$56,580 MSRP

8

Dark Horse

$63,080 MSRP

Live inventory

Ford Mustang vs Mazda RX-8 FAQ

Which is better: 2026 Ford Mustang or 2011 Mazda RX-8?
It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2026 Ford Mustang vs 2011 Mazda RX-8 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
Which costs less: 2026 Ford Mustang or 2011 Mazda RX-8?
Based on starting MSRP, the 2011 Mazda RX-8 starts lower at $26,795. Live Ford Mustang listings start at $6,980.
Which has better startingMsrp: 2026 Ford Mustang or 2011 Mazda RX-8?
The 2011 Mazda RX-8 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (26,795).
Which has better combinedMpg: 2026 Ford Mustang or 2011 Mazda RX-8?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
Which has better horsepower: 2026 Ford Mustang or 2011 Mazda RX-8?
The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on horsepower in this comparison (500).
How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2026 Ford Mustang vs 2011 Mazda RX-8?
NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Mustang (5/5 NHTSA overall).