2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2002 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2002 Mazda RX-8 and 2002 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,615 cc, 2002 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (113 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 285 kg more than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 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 2002 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2002 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Mazda RX-8 | 2002 Volkswagen Golf | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | RX-8 | Golf |
Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2615 cc | 1984 cc |
Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
Horse Power | 189 HP | 113 HP |
Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 220 Nm | 172 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1105 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4148 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1735 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2512 mm |