2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 2 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 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 78 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1307 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 228 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 211 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 189 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.4 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 1347 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
