2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2007 Mazda RX-8 and 2007 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2007). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2007 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 160 kg more than 2007 Mazda 3. 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, 2007 Mazda 3, 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 3 (241 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1560 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 11.3 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 | 1420 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
