2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Renault Clio
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Renault Clio. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Renault Clio would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Renault Clio (252 HP @ 7150 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 12 kg more than 2002 Renault Clio.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2002 Renault Clio (300 Nm @ 4650 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Mazda | Renault |
| Model | RX-8 | Clio |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2946 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 7150 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4650 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
