2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 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 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 100 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 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 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Golf. (200 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2011 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Golf |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 55 L |
