2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Sharan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 243 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, both vehicles can yield 211 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Volkswagen Sharan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 199 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 10.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1668 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
