2003 Daihatsu Charade vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Daihatsu Charade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Daihatsu Charade would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (57 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 677 kg more than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Daihatsu Charade, 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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. (90 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Daihatsu Charade. 2003 Daihatsu Charade has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Daihatsu Charade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Daihatsu Charade | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Daihatsu | Mazda |
| Model | Charade | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 989 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 90 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 145 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 15 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 745 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3420 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 61 L |
