2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2005 Mazda RX-8 and 2005 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2005). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,982 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (115 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 71 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (222 Nm) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Golf. (172 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1982 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1314 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
