2003 Mazda RX-8 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Mazda RX-8 has a curb weight ranging from 1330 kg to 1395 kg (approximately 2932 to 3075 lbs), with a maximum allowed weight between 1728 kg and 1820 kg (3809 to 4012 lbs). The relatively light curb weight contributes to its agile handling and responsive driving dynamics, making it suitable for spirited driving. The maximum weight accounts for passengers and cargo, ensuring that even when fully loaded, the RX-8 maintains its balance and stability on the road.

The Mazda RX-8 offers a luggage capacity of 290 liters (approximately 10.2 cubic feet), which remains the same even when the rear seats are folded. This is because the RX-8's rear seats fold but do not significantly expand the cargo area due to the coupe’s compact design and structural constraints. While it's adequate for daily use or light travel, the storage space might be limited for those needing extensive cargo room.

Yes, the Mazda RX-8 typically fits into a standard residential garage. With a width of around 1770-1780 mm (69.7-70.1 inches) and a height of approximately 1330-1340 mm (52.4-52.8 inches), it is narrower and lower than most typical garage openings. Even accounting for the width with open mirrors (1846 mm or 72.6 inches), the RX-8 remains compact enough. However, care should be taken when parking with mirrors out for clearance. Overall, its size makes it convenient for everyday home storage.

The Mazda RX-8 has a ride height or ground clearance of about 140 mm (5.5 inches), which is relatively low. This low ground clearance enhances the car's sporty handling and stability by lowering the center of gravity. However, it may require caution when driving over speed bumps, steep driveways, or rough roads to avoid scraping the underside. The clearance strikes a balance between sporty performance and practical usability, though it leans more toward performance-focused drivers.

The Mazda RX-8 typically uses rim sizes of 8J x 18 or 8J x 16, matched with tire sizes such as 225/45 R18, 225/55 R16, and 245/45 R18. The larger 18-inch wheels with low-profile tires (225/45 or 245/45) provide better grip, handling precision, and a more aggressive stance, enhancing sporty driving characteristics. The 16-inch setups offer a more comfortable ride and potentially better fuel economy. The choice of wheels and tires influences the balance between sportiness and comfort in the RX-8.

Compared to its predecessor, the Mazda RX-7, the RX-8 is generally larger in overall dimensions but retains a compact sports car profile. The RX-8's length ranges from 4325 mm to 4435 mm, which is slightly longer than the last RX-7 generation (third generation FD, around 4350 mm). The RX-8 is also similar in width but benefits from a more modern design that maximizes interior space and usability, including rear-hinged 'freestyle' doors for easier rear seat access—something the RX-7 lacked. While the RX-7 emphasized pure sports performance, the RX-8 balances performance with everyday practicality.

The Mazda RX-8 holds its own among similar sports coupes from the early 2000s in terms of size and design. With a length of approximately 4.3 to 4.4 meters and width near 1.77 to 1.78 meters, it is comparable to cars like the Nissan 350Z and Toyota Celica. However, the RX-8 stands out due to its unique rotary engine and distinct four-door coupe design with rear-hinged back doors, offering more practical rear seating access than typical two-door coupes. Its relatively lightweight and balanced proportions provide quick handling and agile dynamics compared to bulkier competitors.

The Mazda RX-8 has a maximum roof load rating of 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs). This means that the car's roof can safely support that weight, allowing for the installation of roof racks or carriers for additional cargo such as bicycles, luggage boxes, or sports equipment. When adding roof racks, it is important to stay within this load limit to avoid compromising vehicle safety and handling, as well as to prevent damage to the roof structure.

The Mazda RX-8’s compact dimensions and curb weight between 1330-1395 kg (2932-3075 lbs) help provide a sporty performance with relatively efficient fuel usage for a sports coupe equipped with a rotary engine. However, rotary engines are generally known for higher fuel consumption compared to traditional piston engines. The RX-8 offers reasonable daily practicality with its four-door coupe design and reasonable luggage space of 290 liters, suitable for weekly errands or short trips. While fun to drive, fuel economy and practicality might be modest compared to non-sports coupes, which is typical for cars in this category.