2003 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 4 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 5,998 cc (12 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton (414 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 941 kg more than 2003 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Mazda RX-8. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton (550 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda RX-8. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 5998 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | W |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.7 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 2366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 90 L |
