2004 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Mazda 6
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 2004 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2011 Mazda 6. (170 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Mazda 6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 118 kg more than 2004 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2004 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 2004 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6, 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, 2011 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda RX-8. 2011 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Mazda | Mazda |
| Model | RX-8 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1392 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1839 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2789 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
