2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Opel Speedster
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 Opel Speedster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Opel Speedster would be higher. At 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (212 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2003 Opel Speedster. (145 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Opel Speedster.
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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Opel Speedster. (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Opel Speedster. 2006 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Speedster has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Speedster 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 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | RX-8 | Speedster |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 36 L |
