2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is newer by 7 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 1,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (197 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. (158 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan weights approximately 137 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan, 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, 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (240 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1311 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1522 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.2 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.9 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 64 L |
