2005 Lexus IS vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2006 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2005 Lexus IS. (210 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lexus IS weights approximately 147 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2005 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2005 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 2006 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2006 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lexus IS | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mazda |
| Model | IS | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 8.2 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 61 L |
