2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2003 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Polo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Polo would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (101 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 2003 Volkswagen Polo, 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 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Polo. (126 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Polo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2003 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Polo |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 45 L |
