2003 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 305 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.3 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 64 L |
