2002 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will offer significantly more control. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg (361 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda RX-8. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2615 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 100 L |
