2009 Fiat Panda vs. 2003 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2003 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 2009 Fiat Panda. (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2009 Fiat Panda. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Fiat Panda. (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Fiat Panda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 2003 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Panda | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 150 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 18 seconds | 6.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.3 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 61 L |
