2003 Fiat Palio 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 Fiat Palio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Palio would be higher. At 1,908 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Fiat Palio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 153 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Palio. (79 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Palio. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 219 kg more than 2003 Fiat Palio. 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 Fiat Palio, 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Palio. (196 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Palio.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Palio | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Palio | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1908 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2710 mm |
