2003 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Accord 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 51 more horse power than 2003 Honda Accord. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda Accord weights approximately 83 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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 Honda Accord, 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, 2003 Honda Accord (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda Accord | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Honda | Mazda |
| Model | Accord | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2204 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 340 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1473 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 4.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 6.9 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.6 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
