2003 Alfa Romeo GT vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo GT would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo GT is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. (162 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 88 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo GT, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo GT.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo GT | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | GT | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 61 L |
