2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Renault Grand Espace
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Renault Grand Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Renault Grand Espace would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2003 Renault Grand Espace. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Renault Grand Espace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 508 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Renault Grand Espace, 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 Renault Grand Espace (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2003 Renault Grand Espace has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Renault Grand Espace will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Renault Grand Espace | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | RX-8 | Grand Espace |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 83 L |
