2008 Fiat 500 vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2008 Fiat 500 and 2008 Mazda RX-8 were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,308 cc, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP) has 135 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 442 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500, 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (146 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 500 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 189 HP |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.6 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 165 km/hour | 223 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 12.5 seconds | 7.2 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.2 L/100km | 10.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 61 L |
