2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2006 Saturn Relay
To start off, 2006 Saturn Relay is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda RX-8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda RX-8 would be higher. At 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Saturn Relay is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Saturn Relay (201 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Saturn Relay should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saturn Relay weights approximately 59 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2006 Saturn Relay, 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, 2006 Saturn Relay (293 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Saturn Relay will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2006 Saturn Relay | |
| Make | Mazda | Saturn |
| Model | RX-8 | Relay |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 293 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1444 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 95 L |
