2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2008 Subaru Impreza
To start off, 2008 Subaru Impreza is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,457 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Subaru Impreza. (227 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Subaru Impreza. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 20 kg more than 2008 Subaru Impreza. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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 Subaru Impreza (320 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 2008 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2457 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 230 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 5.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 10.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
