2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Smart ForTwo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Smart ForTwo would be higher. At 1,308 cc, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (60 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 605 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Smart ForTwo. (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Mazda | Smart |
| Model | RX-8 | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 15.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 815 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.6 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 33 L |
