2003 Fiat Punto vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Fiat Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Fiat Punto would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 530 kg more than 2003 Fiat Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Fiat Punto, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Fiat Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Fiat Punto | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Punto | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1240 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 61 L |
