2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Toyota Avensis
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 Toyota Avensis. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Avensis would be higher. At 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Avensis is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 2003 Toyota Avensis. (131 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Toyota Avensis. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 93 kg more than 2003 Toyota Avensis. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Toyota Avensis, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Toyota Avensis. (161 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Toyota Avensis.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Toyota Avensis | |
| Make | Mazda | Toyota |
| Model | RX-8 | Avensis |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 91.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 1335 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
