2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Mazda Roadster
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda Roadster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda Roadster would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda Roadster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 398 kg more than 2003 Mazda Roadster. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda Roadster. (140 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda Roadster. 2003 Mazda Roadster has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Mazda Roadster will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Mazda Roadster | |
Make | Mazda | Mazda |
Model | RX-8 | Roadster |
Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1598 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 228 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 211 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 78 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 83.6 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1030 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |