2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman
To start off, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is newer by 8 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. (181 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman weights approximately 30 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman 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, 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman (240 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman 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 | 2011 Mini Cooper Countryman | |
| Make | Mazda | Mini |
| Model | RX-8 | Cooper Countryman |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1455 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1788 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1562 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2596 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 47 L |
