2006 Fiat Croma vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Fiat Croma is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 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 71 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Croma. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Croma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Fiat Croma weights approximately 205 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, 2006 Fiat Croma, 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, 2006 Fiat Croma (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Fiat Croma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Croma | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Croma | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1909 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 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 | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1595 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 61 L |
