2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Subaru Impreza
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 Subaru Impreza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Subaru Impreza would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Subaru Impreza (246 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (190 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 Subaru Impreza.
Because 2003 Subaru Impreza is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Impreza will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Subaru Impreza (333 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2003 Subaru Impreza 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 Subaru Impreza will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Subaru Impreza | |
| Make | Mazda | Subaru |
| Model | RX-8 | Impreza |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | boxer |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 246 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 333 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4420 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
