Performance Review: Mazda RX8 1.3 - [2003]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Mazda RX8 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Mazda RX8 1.3 is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2003. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2004 Westfield Sport 2000S and the 2004 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII MR FQ 400.This particular Mazda RX8 has a 1308cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 0 cylinders in a R formation.

Alternative Petrol R0's includes the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo

The RX8 shares its Petrol R0 engine configuration with the likes of the 1992 Mazda RX7 Turbo and the 2008 Mazda RX8 R3 231ps. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the RX8's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1394 kgs (3073 lbs) this makes the Mazda RX8 1.3 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 5.2 V10 or the give or take 50kg.

The Mazda RX8 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 1308cc 0V R0 engine produces 228 bhp (170 kW) @ 8500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated R0 throws out 156 lb-ft (211.5 Nm) @ 5500 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2018 Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4 Turbo (170 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Mazda RX8 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d (188.4 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Mazda RX8.

The Mazda RX8 has a Power to weight ratio of 163.5 bhp per ton and 111.9 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2003 RX8 competing with the 2006 BMW Z4 3.0si Sport 2d (188.4 bhp per ton) or the 1990 Mercedes E Class 500 W124 (188.3 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Mazda RX8 generating around 111.9 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2000 Vauxhall-Opel Astra Coupe Turbo (136.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 1984 Fiat Strada Abarth 130 TC (136.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 6.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.4 secs, this made the Mazda RX8 1.3 as fast as the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2019 Toyota Supra SZ-R 2.0 Turbo (6.20 secs) the 2017 Volkswagen-VW Arteon 2.0 TDi SCR 4Motion (6.20 secs) the or the 2014 Peugeot 208 Gti 1.6 Turbo 30th (6.20 secs). This Mazda RX8 1.3 is also faster than the 2024 Mazda CX-90 S 3.3 Turbo (6.30 secs) the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (6.30 secs) the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo (6.30 secs) the and the 2018 Ford Fiesta ST 1.5 Turbo 5 door (6.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the RX8 and the 2008 Bentley Azure T 6.8 V8

When talking about the performance of the Mazda RX8 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.96 secs @ 91.5 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2008 Bentley Azure T 6.8 V8 (14.90 secs), the 1966 Buick Riviera 6.6l V8 (14.90 secs), and the 2011 KIA Optima 2.0 Turbo (14.90 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2003 version of the Mazda RX8 1.3 has a maximum speed of 146mph.

Top Speed of the 2003 RX8 equals the 2016 Maserati Quattroporte 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (157 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2003 Mazda RX8 1.3 then how about the 2016 Maserati Quattroporte 3.0 V6 Turbo Diesel (157 mph), the 2006 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX FQ 360 (157 mph), or the 2005 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IX FQ 320 (157 mph).

Related Links:

2003 RX8 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Mazda

Car Comparison