2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 310 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 189 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 228 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.7 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1735 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.8 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
