2006 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,399 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (67 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 280 kg more than 2006 Ford Fiesta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Fiesta. (160 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Fiesta | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Fiesta | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1399 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.7 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 163 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.9 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.3 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 61 L |
