2003 Ford Ka 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 Ford Ka. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Ka 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 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 2003 Ford Ka. (73 HP @ 6150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 555 kg more than 2003 Ford Ka. 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 Ford Ka, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Ka. (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Ka.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Ka | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Ka | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 167 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.1 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 61 L |
