2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 2001 Smart ForFour. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 455 kg more than 2001 Smart ForFour. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour, 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, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | RX-8 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 165 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
