2003 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 2011 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2011 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Corvette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Corvette would be higher. At 5,665 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet Corvette is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (340 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 130 kg more than 2011 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Chevrolet Corvette (483 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet Corvette will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Corvette | 2011 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Mazda |
| Model | Corvette | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5665 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 340 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 483 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2703 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 117 L | 64 L |
