2008 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Fiat 500
To start off, 2012 Fiat 500 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Fiat 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 2012 Fiat 500. (101 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 318 kg more than 2012 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, 2012 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 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Fiat 500. (133 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Fiat 500. 2012 Fiat 500 has automatic transmission and 2008 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2008 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat 500 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Fiat 500 | |
| Make | Mazda | Fiat |
| Model | RX-8 | 500 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1368 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 182 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 10.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1422 kg | 1104 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3546 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1628 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1519 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2301 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
