2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo
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 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (90 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo weights approximately 336 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo, 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. (185 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo. 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo 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 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Mercedes-Benz Vaneo | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RX-8 | Vaneo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1689 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.5 seconds | 16 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1129 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 54 L |
