2006 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2012 Fiat Panda. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 378 kg more than 2012 Fiat Panda. 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, 2012 Fiat Panda, 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 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat Panda. (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | RX-8 | Panda |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| 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 | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.2 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 35 L |
