2006 Kia Sportage vs. 2006 Mazda RX-8
To start off, both 2006 Kia Sportage and 2006 Mazda RX-8 were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,654 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Kia Sportage is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2006 Kia Sportage. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Sportage weights approximately 52 kg more than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Sportage, 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 Kia Sportage (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Sportage will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Sportage | 2006 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Kia | Mazda |
| Model | Sportage | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2654 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 241 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.7 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1428 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1700 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
