2003 Fiat Punto vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 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 1,308 cc, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2003 Fiat Punto. (58 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Fiat Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 545 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 2007 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 2007 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Fiat Punto. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2007 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 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Punto | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1240 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 58 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 155 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3870 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 61 L |
