2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Vauxhall Meriva
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Vauxhall Meriva. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Vauxhall Meriva would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Vauxhall Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva (118 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Vauxhall Meriva weights approximately 180 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva, 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, 2002 Vauxhall Meriva (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Vauxhall Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2002 Vauxhall Meriva has manual transmission. 2002 Vauxhall Meriva will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Vauxhall Meriva | |
Make | Mazda | Vauxhall |
Model | RX-8 | Meriva |
Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1796 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 118 HP |
Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 140 Nm | 225 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1305 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4050 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1700 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1630 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |