2011 Mazda RX-8 vs 2015 Subaru BRZ Series.Blue - AutoGuide.com (press release)
One of the easiest ways to properly balance a car is to set the engine and transmission as close to the middle of the vehicle as possible. Since mid-engine cars can be costly and come with a myriad of compromises, most manufactures tackle the issue by installing a small engine ahead of the driver, but as far back from the front axle as possible. In 2004 Mazda finally followed up the iconic RX-7 sports car with the RX-8. Like any model using the RX designation, the RX-8 was rotary powered, using a 1. 3-liter twin-rotary engine making 232 hp and 159 lb-ft. Rotaries are tiny engines and Mazda was able to install the 13b so low and far back in the engine compartment that it was almost between the driver and front passenger’s foot wells. Discontinued after the 2011 model year, the RX-8 has been spiritually succeeded by a joint venture from Subaru and Toyota. Although the FR-S and BRZ do not use a rotary engine, they use the next most compact engine design: a four-cylinder boxer. Thankfully, our local Mazda press fleet still has a pristine 2011 Mazda RX-8 Grand Touring on fleet available for special requests. Next we grabbed a 2015 Subaru BRZ, but not just any BRZ. The RX-8 always had a bit of luxurious edge to it when it came to the interior so we decided. Source: www.autoguide.com
