2006 Fiat Punto vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2006 Fiat Punto and 2006 Mazda RX-8 were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,308 cc, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 2006 Fiat Punto. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Fiat Punto.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Fiat Punto, 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 Mazda RX-8 (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Fiat Punto. (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Fiat Punto. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2006 Fiat Punto has manual transmission. 2006 Fiat Punto will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Fiat Punto | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Punto | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2710 mm |
