2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Citroen C3
To start off, 2012 Citroen C3 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,615 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 Citroen C3. (89 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Citroen C3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 127 kg more than 2012 Citroen C3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Citroen C3, 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, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Citroen C3. (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Citroen C3. 2012 Citroen C3 has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Citroen C3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Citroen C3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Citroen |
| Model | RX-8 | C3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 229 km/hour | 177 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1263 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 45 L |
