2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen W12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen W12 would be higher. At 5,584 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | W12 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 5584 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | W |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1152 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1010 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
