2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForFour. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForFour would be higher. At 1,467 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Smart ForFour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForFour. (175 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForFour. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 239 kg more than 2006 Smart ForFour. 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, 2006 Smart ForFour, 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, 2006 Smart ForFour (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForFour 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 | 2006 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | RX-8 | ForFour |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1467 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 50 L |
