1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Express. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Express would be higher. At 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 999 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, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 344 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 1997 Chevrolet Express 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. 1997 Chevrolet Express will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Express | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Van | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2710 mm |
