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 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 31 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 241 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 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | RX-8 | Tiguan |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2614 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 240 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1390 kg | 1631 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4426 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1809 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1703 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2604 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
