2001 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,773 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 221 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2006 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1773 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 73 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1129 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
