2008 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Fiat Grande Punto would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Fiat Grande Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (76 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 85 kg more than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto. (114 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat Grande Punto.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat Grande Punto | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Grande Punto | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 64 L |
