2002 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,970 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 238 kg more than 2002 Chevrolet Corvette.
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, 2002 Chevrolet Corvette (543 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Chevrolet Corvette | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5970 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 300 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 61 L |
