RX7 Vs RX8

Its not a minor, mid-model facelift, so whats there to be confused about. They're absolutly different the FD and the FE.
The FE is Mazda's latest incarnation wearing the RX badge but it has very little in common with the FD. The RENESIS is lighter, smaller and more efficent than the older 13B.Engine performance is enhanced by changing the ports and induction. The power figure originally stated by Mazda is 247hp (manual) BUT thats for Japan and Australia ONLY! Mazda itself corrected the horsepower figures to 236hp. During the initial sales period, independent testing on chassis dynos measured between 165 and 180 wheel horsepower. Considering that the transmission and rear end is identical to the 6-speed Miatas, and this drivetrain combination is known to consume almost exactly 30 hp between the engine and the wheels across a wide range of engine powers (from 100 hp to 400 hp), it is almost a surety that the RX-8 is still overrated by at least 25 hp. The FE carries the Hp disadvantage well, being more refined as it is, with increased seating capacity, four doors and so on. The RX enthusiasts do frown upon the newer FE.
The FD is a totally different story all together. Arguably the most attractive, eficent, not to mention potent sports coupe from the land of the rising sun. The FD or the third gen RX is from a long lineage of rotors namely the The Capella(RX3),Savannah (RX3) and the Luce (RX4). Avaialbe in various trim models, out of which The Touring Package and the R models were the most noted. My OZ friends here would also be Familiar with the Bathhurst or the SP version churning 236hp.The FD remained in production till 02 capped off with the RS-Z or eighth gen FD pushing out 286-308hp!