1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 425 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 1996 Chevrolet Impala has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Impala will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Impala | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 222 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 61 L |
