2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 2008 Seat Altea
To start off, 2008 Seat Altea is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Altea is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Altea weights approximately 435 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Seat Altea, 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 Seat Altea (320 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (142 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Altea will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2008 Seat Altea has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Seat Altea will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 2008 Seat Altea | |
| Make | Mazda | Seat |
| Model | Roadster | Altea |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 55 L |
